Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Why Health Insurance Online Quotes Are a "Must" When Shopping for Health Insurance


If you are not using the Internet when shopping for health insurance, you really should be. With all the free resources currently available online, you can easily accomplish all the necessary steps in the process of securing health insurance. Indeed, from researching the health insurance industry to reviewing your health insurance online quotes, and even applying for coverage, you can now do all this from the comfort of your own home.

There are several reputable online health insurance brokers form which to choose. By simply entering your zip code and some basic information about those who will be on the policy, you can instantly receive dozens of quotes.

In addition, there typically is no requirement to enter your name, address, or email, in order to receive your free health insurance online quotes. This is great for those who wish to simply receive health insurance quotes without having to worry about some sales person hounding you for weeks after you contact them.

Once you receive your health insurance quotes, you can review them at your own pace. After you have reviewed the quotes and perhaps found one or more that appear promising, you can proceed if you so choose. Indeed, at this point, you can go ahead with the application process or contact a licensed agent or representative for additional information. (If the online broker does not offer toll free phone support, find one that does).

Being able to compare several different plans all at once is a very powerful tool to use when "wading" through the sometimes overwhelming process of searching for affordable and quality health insurance. When you are able to compare multiple plans, their details, and costs, you will be able to truly get a sense of what your options are. With multiple health insurance online quotes, you can begin to compare "apples to apples" and "oranges to oranges".

The process of going out in to the market yourself and buying health insurance can be a scary proposition to many. However, virtually anyone can now access several free health insurance online quotes from the comfort and privacy of their own home, without having to worry about giving out their name and addresses to anyone. Armed with this information, you can then review the information at your own pace and apply for insurance online, or contact an agent for further guidance. Receiving free health insurance online quotes has never been easier and more convenient than it is today.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

How to Make Shopping For Low Cost Family Health Insurance Less "Painful"


Shopping for low cost family health insurance does not have to be an overwhelming process. Granted, it's no day at the beach; but if done with some careful planning, the process can be less "painful."

First, it's important to understand the "jargon." That is, a family health insurance policy is actually an individual policy, as opposed to a group policy, that has been issued for a family. Therefore, when shopping for low cost health insurance for your family, you're actually searching for an individual policy that will be issued for you and your family.

Second, when shopping for low cost health insurance, it is important to realize that there are ways to keep costs down.

For example, if your family is generally healthy, you may want to choose higher out-of-pocket options for items such as deductible, copayments, and coinsurance. By doing so, you can expect to see a significant reduction in your premiums.

Another way to reduce your health insurance costs is to pay your premiums annually. Since it requires a significant initial payment, this may not be a realistic option for some. Nevertheless, if you can afford to prepay your premiums, you may be able to avoid paying service fees and possibly realize a prepayment discount. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about this possibility.

In addition, you may want to think twice about buying supplemental health insurance. In many cases, supplemental insurance offers coverage for items that are already included in your main plan. If you think you way need a supplemental health policy, be sure to discuss this with your agent thoroughly before making any final decisions.

Third, and last, whether you're just trying to get the best deal for health insurance and finances are not a significant limiting factor, or price is a significant limiting factor, you should know is that the health insurance industry in the U.S. is heavily regulated. While regulations may vary from one state to another, health insurance premiums are regulated by each state Department of Insurance.

What this means to you is that you will pay the same monthly premium for the same plan whether you buy from a local agent, an Internet company, or the insurance company itself. Logically then, the best way to end up with the policy best suited for you and your situation is to obtain and then review multiple health insurance quotes.

Shopping for low cost family health insurance can be quite a shock for the unprepared. So, to be ready, educate yourself by using the volumes of information available on the Internet. Look for ways to keep costs to a minimum, such as prepaying premiums, selecting a higher deductible, and not purchasing insurance you will not use, . By working smarter, not harder, you will be maximizing your odds of ending up with a quality and affordable health insurance plan.

Monday, January 29, 2007

Terms You Must Understand When Shopping For Affordable Health Insurance


Most individuals have at least a basic understanding of their health insurance coverage. However, have you ever taken a moment to have someone explain health insurance costs to you? You know the amount you're paying every month for your health insurance premium, or the amount that you contribute toward an employee sponsored plan, so it's easy to know when this cost increases, but what about all the other costs involved with health insurance? Do you know what they mean and how your choices with regard to them can affect your overall health insurance costs? Before you're hit with an excessively large medical bill, be sure to read the following explanation of health insurance costs.

Premium

The premium is the amount you'll pay for the benefits covered under your health insurance plan. The premium is typically broken down into equal monthly payments. If you've got group insurance, your employer or a union is probably sharing some percentage of this cost. Often you can receive a discount and save on processing fees if you pay your premium annually. Depending on the savings, this may be a good option to consider.

The Deductible

If your health insurance policy includes an annual deductible, it's important to understand the details. A deductible is an amount that you are responsible for paying before the insurance company begins paying out claims. A family health insurance plan typically includes multiple deductibles, one for each family member and a maximum family deductible.

As with most types of insurance, the higher you set your deductible, the lower your monthly premium. This is a good way to make health insurance more affordable. However, be sure that you can afford to potentially pay any higher deductible you may choose.

The Co-Payment

A co-payment is a fixed amount that you, the insured, must pay each time you visit the doctor. The co-payment amount differs based on the type of health insurance plan you have. For example, an HMO will have the lowest co-payment. The co-payment can however, increase for different types of medical service and/or if you go outside the network (if your health insurance plan requires you to stay within a network). Indeed, in order to keep costs to a minimum, try to stay within your network.

Co-Insurance

Co-Insurance is the amount of a claim that you, the insured, are responsible for paying, once the deductible has been met. A typical ratio is 80/20 where the insurance company pays 80% of a claim and you pay 20%. Your percentage will typically increase when you go outside the network, so as with your co-payment, it pays to stay within your network if at all possible.
Also, in situations where the claim exceeds what the insurance company deems 'reasonable and customary' you are responsible for the difference.

Understanding the above health insurance terms and their costs is not only important when using your insurance, but should be discussed or reviewed carefully when requesting quotes, especially online health insurance quotes. When you're comparing quotes from different insurance companies, it's important to know all your costs, not just the premium. Make sure the person preparing your quote clearly defines the deductible amount and whether there is a separate deductible for different types of services, the co-payment amount and the co-insurance amounts. Also ask the person to elaborate on other costs that may not be readily apparent.

As health insurance costs continue to increase year after year, it can take a real effort to keep costs as low as possible. Always stay within your network whenever possible. If you can choose any medical care professional, be sure that the fees for the services you'll need fall within your insurance company's 'reasonable and customary' guidelines. If not, shop around for a less expensive provider. Other tips for keeping health insurance costs as low as possible include living a healthier lifestyle and seeking medical care only when absolutely necessary.

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Finding Affordable Health Insurance - Can It Be Done?


The words, affordable individual health insurance, would appear to be an oxymoron, or a contradiction of words. This is especially true today as health insurance premiums for some have become the single biggest expense in their lives. Indeed, if you have any serious health problems such as diabetes, or a family history of heart disease or cancer, your monthly premium can surpass even your mortgage payment.
The word "affordable", of course, is a relative term, the meaning of which varies depending on one's financial situation. So for the purposes of this article, affordable health insurance will mean the best health insurance coverage for the least amount of money, or an amount that fits one's budget.
As with most major purchases in our lives - and individual health insurance would certainly qualify as a major purchase - you want to look at as many different products and get as many different quotes as possible. You can then compare and look for the product that comes closest to your needs, and gives you the most "bang for your buck".
When you begin the process of looking for health insurance you should already have a good idea of what your budget will allow. Knowing the maximum cost that you can manage will help narrow down the list of potential companies initially.
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to begin shopping for affordable individual health insurance is to use the free services of an online health insurance broker. From the comfort of your own home (or local library) you can access literally thousands of different health insurance plans. With a few clicks of your mouse, you can receive dozens of free health insurance quotes. It doesn't matter if you are looking for individual health insurance, family health insurance, or group health insurance, it can all be quickly researched online. You can then compare plans side by side, and even apply for health insurance.
One thing to keep in mind in your search for affordable individual health insurance is that the purpose of any health insurance is to protect you from a major financial loss - not to protect you from spending "small" sums of money on office visits and sliver removal. These small expenses can be a burden, but they generally will not break you. It's the $100,000 heart operation that will bankrupt you. In fact, that's the financial disaster health insurance was originally designed to prevent.
In your efforts to keep your health insurance costs affordable, be sure to keep the following in mind: If your budget allows, select a higher deductible, and be sure that you are not paying for coverage you may not need (such as maternity for many folks.) In many cases, such changes will significantly reduce your monthly premiums.
Finding affordable individual health insurance does not need to be an intimidating process. By spending a little time on the Internet comparing several different health insurance quotes and plans, taking more of the risk with higher deductibles, and deleting coverage that you may not need, you will increase your odds of affordable health insurance.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Health Insurance for the Recent College Graduate


As you graduate college and head into the great, big, scary world, there are probably a lot of things on your mind. First and foremost is finding a good job, then finding a place to live, and then maybe figuring out how to pay back those student loans. One thing that might not cross your mind is health insurance. All of your life, you've most likely been a dependent on your parents' coverage, but that ship is about to sail�if it hasn't already.

We know what you're thinking, "Why do I need health insurance? I'm young, I'm healthy, and doctor visits are few and far between. So why pay for something I'll never use?" Hey, we understand where you're coming from. But accidents and illnesses happen without warning, even to the strapping young adults such as you. Sure, health insurance is expensive, but not having it will cost you dearly.

First things to know

Let's get one thing straight, health care in the United States is a nightmare, few will argue that. There are thousands of options when it comes to receiving care and paying for it, some of them good, some of them not so much. When it comes to choosing an insurance policy that's right for you, confusion abounds. So let's learn a little more about your options.

There are two essential categories of health insurance: managed care and indemnity plans. Though you'll pay more for indemnity coverage, it offers much more flexibility than does a managed care plan. Through indemnity coverage, you'll have your choice of doctor, lab, hospital or specialty clinic. When you seek medical care, you'll have to pay an out of pocket expense�called a deductible�before your coverage will kick in. Deductibles range from a few hundred dollars up to $1,000 or more, depending on your policy. Also, indemnity plans require a co-payment on medical care; meaning you'll be responsible for a percentage of the treatment costs along with your deductible. Generally, indemnity plans pay only for accidents or illness; they usually don't cover preventative care.

Managed care is the complete opposite of indemnity coverage. Deductibles are usually smaller, co-payments are lower, and preventative care is usually covered. Your options, however, are limited. Through a managed care plan, you can only choose between health care providers who are contracted by your health maintenance organization. If you go elsewhere, you pay�the full amount. Since that's a pretty rough deal, many managed care plans are offering hybrid options that include many of the desirable characteristics of an indemnity plan.

Which way to go

If you find a job that offers health insurance and you're single, take it. It may not be perfect, but it beats anything you can find on your own. When you sign up through your employer, you'll probably be confronted with many options. Take a good, long look at them and ask for help from a human resources representative if need be, but make sure you choose the plan that's right for you. Chances are�if you're young and healthy� you'll want a plan with a low premium and higher deductible. Look for a plan that minimizes your out-of-pocket expenses. When it comes to choosing between and indemnity plan or a managed care plan, you may or may not have a choice depending on your employer. Both offer advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to crunch the numbers before committing to one or the other.

Make yourself a deal

Though health insurance is a costly part of our lives, there are ways to save. If you're self-employed, shop around before you commit to a plan. If you're under 50 and in good health, insurance companies will want your business, and cut rates are to be had. Also, take advantage of breaks from Uncle Sam. The self-employed can write off up to 45 percent of their insurance premiums. Some employers offer flexible spending accounts, where you can pay for premiums and costs not covered by insurance with cash that isn't subject to taxes.

If you're married and your spouse also can get coverage from their employer, weigh your options carefully. It might benefit you financially and coverage-wise if you measure the pros and cons of separate coverage, double coverage, or one of you opting out of your work's plan and enrolling in the other's.

Finally, if you've been healthy and believe you can get by with minimum health coverage, look into purchasing "catastrophic coverage". This indemnity policy offers extremely low premiums, but deductibles can be very high�up to $2,500. Coverage is extremely limited to "catastrophic" events, which you'll need to learn all about.

Friday, January 26, 2007

Group Health Insurance


To discuss the terminology Group Health Insurance, we must first familiarize ourselves with the concepts Insurance and Health Insurance.

Insurance is a kind of protection, a safety net against unforeseeable losses. No one knows what the future holds, and insurance is a good way of preparing for what may come. Health insurance is a protection against medical costs. The insurer pays the cost of the insured person if the latter falls ill - due to accident maybe, or any of the covered causes. Magnify the health insurance more than ten times over and you get the Group Health Insurance.

Group Health Insurance is a health coverage based on a group of people under a company or an organization. The cost of the insurance is allotted among the members of this group. The group enjoys a wide range of benefits of Group Health Insurance. A master contract or policy is issued to their employer or to any of the group's affiliations.

Health insurance is one of the most important benefits offered to an employee through their employers. Not only does an employee feel secure with this insurance, he also feels assured of the care of his employers. Companies spend billions annually for health insurance, and group health insurance make up the bulk of the revenues earned by health insurance companies.

Group health insurance can be availed by any company with two or more employees. Requirements vary around the world, though one constant requirement is the proof of legitimacy of the company's operation. The number of employees to be insured under the group plan determines the type of coverage available to the employer. A company with more than a thousand employees will have customized health plans, and these may include additional benefits.

With the rising costs of prescription drugs and health care in recent years, companies have experienced a drastic increase in the cost of providing health care benefits to their employees. Many companies are forced to cut back on the benefits of the health plan, and some even require their employees to pay a higher share of the monthly premium of the insurance, even to the point of requiring them to pay the 100% of the dependent premium! Decreases in the health insurance benefits cause some employees to pay medical expenses themselves when they require medical treatment or prescription drugs. Businesses offering full premium payment for employees and their dependents are fast decreasing.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

What to Consider When Choosing a San Jose Dental Insurance Company


What to Consider When Choosing a San Jose Dental Insurance Company

In the United States, healthcare is important. When it comes to healthcare, there are many individuals who atomically think of their local physicians. While it is important to be concerned with the overall health of your body, it is also important to be concerned with the overall health of your teeth. That why it is important that you try and obtain dental insurance, if you don't already have it.

To obtain dental insurance, you will first have to find a dental insurance company to work with. If you live in or around the San Jose area, you will want to search for San Jose dental insurance companies. You can easily search for these companies by using recommendations from those that you know, by searching through your local phone book, or by using the internet.

In your search for a San Jose dental insurance company; it is likely that you will come across two different types of companies. One of these companies may be an insurance company that is based out of the San Jose area. In addition to being locally based, you may also find insurance companies that are not based in the San Jose, but that service the area. Both of these company types can be considered San Jose dental insurance companies.

As previously mentioned, the first step in obtaining dental insurance is to find a San Jose dental insurance company to work with. Instead of just examining one insurance company, you are advised to examine number of them. This may help to ensure that are getting the best deal. If a low-cost dental insurance plan is what you are looking for, you will want to go with the San Jose dental insurance company that charges you the lowest amount of money for coverage.

While it is important to find dental insurance that is affordable, it is also important to consider what type of coverage you are obtaining. In most cases, you will find that many low-cost dental insurance plans do not cover all dental procedures. This means that, even with a San Jose dental insurance plan, you may still be required to pay for your own dental work. To prevent this from happening, you are advised to fully examine the services covered by the San Jose dental insurance company that you are looking to do business with.

The coverage and cost of a San Jose dental insurance plan is important, but you may also want to examine the level of service that you will receive. When it comes to examining the level of service provided by a particular company, you will want to know how they treat their customers. Whether you are only filing a dental insurance claim or you are looking for additional information, you will want to be doing business with a well-known, reputable, and friendly insurance company.

If you are interested in further examining the reliability of a particular San Jose dental insurance company, you can either call to speak to an insurance representative or use the internet to search for feedback left by previous clients. With a little bit of time and research, you may not only be able to find a reputable San Jose dental insurance company to do business with, but one that offers quality, yet affordable health insurance plans.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Choosing a San Francisco Dental Insurance Plan


Choosing a San Francisco Dental Insurance Plan

In the United States, there are a large number of Americans who are without dental insurance. Dental insurance is often the key to obtaining professional dental care. Without it, many are unable to afford a trip to the dentist. If you are currently without dental insurance, whether your employer does not offer it or if you are unemployed, you may want to consider obtaining your own dental insurance plan.

Before you can go out and purchase a dental insurance plan, there are a number of different factors that you should consider. Where you live is one of those factors. Where you live may have an impact on the dental insurance companies in which you are able to do business with. For instance, if you live in or around the San Francisco area, you will want to consider doing business with a San Francisco dental insurance company. A San Francisco dental insurance company is defined as a company that either operates out of the area or services it.

If you are currently unfamiliar with at least one San Francisco dental insurance company, you will need to start familiarizing yourself with all of your available options. To learn about dental insurance companies in the San Francisco area, you are advised to either pick up your local phone or use to internet to do the research. Whether you use your local phone book or the internet, you should easily be able to obtain the contact information of at least one San Francisco dental insurance company.

Once you have found a dental insurance company that you would like to do business with, you will then have to decide on a San Francisco dental insurance plan. You will find that most insurance companies have a number of different available plans for you to choose from. Sometimes there are so many San Francisco dental insurance plans to choose from that you may not know which one is right for you. Before officially choosing a San Francisco dental insurance plan, you are advised to research and examine each plan.

If, after examining each San Francisco dental insurance plan that is available, you are still unable to make a decision, you may want to consider seeking assistance from a dental insurance representative. Most dental insurance representatives would be more that willing to assist you with understanding which plan is the best one for your needs. However, before that assistance can be offered, you may need to provide your insurance representative with a little bit of background on yourself, your family, or your health.

Regardless of which San Francisco dental insurance plan you choose, you can still benefit from having one. All dental insurance plans, no matter how much or how little they cover, should be able to offer you assistance. Instead of having to suffer through another toothache or pay for your own dental work, you are encouraged to at least consider obtaining dental insurance. If you have never had dental insurance, you may be surprised with just how much money you can save.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Requesting a White Plains Life Insurance Quote


Requesting a White Plains Life Insurance Quote

In the United States, a large number of individuals are covered under a life insurance plan. But, even more are not. Life insurance has a number of different purposes, but it is mostly used to help protect the ones that you leave behind. If you are currently not covered under a life insurance plan, you are urged to at least consider obtaining one.

When it comes to obtaining life insurance, there are many individuals who are concerned with the cost of it. While the cost of life insurance may seem high, it is important to remember what you are getting. In fact, it is not only what you are getting, but what those that you love are also getting. In many cases, life insurance is used to help the family of a deceased member pay for funeral expenses and adapt to their new life. With something that important, there isn't a price that should be too much.

Despite the fact that life insurance is well worth it, you may still be concerned with the cost. Instead of letting the cost of life insurance prevent you from obtaining it, you are urged to search for cheaper alternatives. While it may be a little bit difficult to come across low-cost life insurance, it is possible. If you live in or around the White Plains area, this can easily be done by requesting a free life insurance quote.

Free life insurance quotes can easily be obtained by contacting a life insurance company. You will find that there are a number of different insurance companies that offer policies to White Plains residents. Some of these companies may only service your local area or they may service the whole country. When obtaining a life insurance quote, you will want to examine both of these types of companies. It may help you to get the better deal.

As previously mentioned, there are a number of different life insurance companies that operate in the United States. Almost all of these companies will allow you to put in a request for a free White Plains life insurance quote. The only difference that you may notice is how you request a life insurance quote. In most cases, you will find that insurance quotes can be requested by speaking directly to a company representative or by filling out an online request form.

You can easily find a number of different online White Plains life insurance quote forms by visiting the websites of local or national life insurance companies. If you are unfamiliar with a life insurance company, you can easily find a number of them by performing a standard internet search. Once at the main page of a life insurance company's website, you should see a link that will take you to an online request form. This form may ask for detailed information on your age, health, and current occupation.

While online life insurance request forms are a great way to quickly to request a White Plains life insurance quote, they are not the only way. By directly contacting a life insurance company and by speaking to one of their representatives, you can easily request a quote over-the-phone. As with online insurance quotes, you may be required to answer questions pertaining to your age, current health status, and occupation.

Whether you request a White Plains life insurance quote by phone or through the internet, you will likely have a response in as little as one day. Even if you think that you cannot afford life insurance, you are still advised to request a quote. You may actually be surprised with what the results say.

Monday, January 22, 2007

You Know You Gotta Do It: How to read an Insurance Policy And Policy Terminology


The structure of a policy is usually very confusing, and they are loaded with special definitions. Fortunately, most insurance contracts share a similar structure. Once you understand how it is structured, you are in a much better position to understand what is and what is not covered under the contract. Insurance policies contain the following general sections, but are not always set-up in the same order.

Declaration Page - A declaration page includes the name and address of who is insured, the issuing carrier, what risks or property are covered, the policy limits, the coverage effective dates and policy numbers. Depending on the policy type, the premium, deductible and a list of applicable endorsements may also appear.

You want to look this over carefully to make sure it lists what you want it to list. Are all of the coverage's you discussed with your insurance agent included? Are the limits of liability or deductibles correct? If not, make sure you meet with your agent and make the corrections immediately. You don't want to wait until you file a claim to find out you are not covered.

Definitions - Many of the key terms will be defined in this section. You won't be able to understand the coverage without a basic understanding of the defined policy terms. The definitions section normally appears in the general conditions section, and is usually printed in bold type. It is a good idea to either pull it out of the policy or make a copy of it, so you can keep referring to it as you read the rest of the policy. Many people make the mistake of assuming that the words in the policy have a meaning broader than what is defined in the policy. The insurance company includes these definitions in the contract for a very good reason as it protects against claims and court cases. Companies go to great lengths to define their terms as clearly as possible.

Coverages - Your insurance policy will discuss each coverage separately. For each type of coverage, the policy will usually define the meaning of the limits listed on your declaration page. Read these very carefully, because sometimes there are lower limits for certain defined types of loss. In addition to the definition of the limits, each coverage type will have an insuring agreement and a list of exclusions.

Insuring Agreement - This is the meat of the policy. In this section the policy will define all of the coverage you have just purchased. Make sure you have your definitions handy when you are reading this section; it will be full of defined terms. Sometimes the coverage section will contain its own definitions or re-definitions of some of the terms. This portion of the agreement generally uses broad language to describe the coverage offered. Read this part very carefully and make sure you understand it before moving on to the exclusions section.

Exclusions - This section literally takes away much of what was described in the insuring agreement. This part informs you how the coverage is limited. Usually, the exclusions are much longer and more specific than the insuring agreement. It is important to understand what is excluded. If you are not comfortable with what you have read, then by all means, contact your agent to discuss any concerns or confusion you have.

General Conditions - This section is perhaps the most straightforward and easy to understand section of your policy. Here, you will find what you are required to do in the event of a loss. Also, other general policy terms will be listed in this section. This section may appear less critical, but failure to comply with the general conditions could jeopardize your coverage. Make sure you understand what is expected of you.

Reading an insurance policy can be overwhelming. It is a good idea to set it aside for a day after you have read it, then pick it back up and read it again. Whatever you do, don't just file it away if you aren't comfortable with it. An insurance policy of any kind is not going to be easy, enjoyable reading, but the better understanding you have of the general structure, the more assured you can be of having the correct amount or type of coverage for your needs. A great website to start researching policies and finding answers to your questions is http://www.mostchoice.com. Remember, if you have any questions, or you feel uncomfortable about what you read in your policy, contact your insurance professional.

Types of Insurance and Terminology

Having a health insurance policy is one of the most important policies you will own. Without a health insurance policy, you can suffer devastating consequences. It is better to be covered, than not. When searching for a health insurance plan, or if you already have signed up for one through work, the plan terms, descriptions of provisions and coverages, can be hard to understand. Listed below are some common coverage terms to help you understand more about what your health plan has to offer.

Your deductible refers to the amount of money you need to pay, before any benefits from the policy can be paid on your claim. Co-insurance / co-payments, are the amount that would need to be paid by you before the insurance pays, and is in addition to the deductible. The lifetime maximum is the most amount of money the health insurance policy will pay for the entire life of the policy.

Exclusions are the things that the insurance policy will not cover. As you are reviewing your exclusion's section, take a look at the size of the list. If it is a large list, then the insurance company has tried to record all of the exclusions listed throughout your policy; if it is a short exclusions list, this usually means that they are listed throughout your policy. Be careful when you read this list; make sure you understand it and you don't miss anything. And a final note, there are pre-existing conditions. This refers to a medical condition you or someone in your family had before you obtained the policy. Some plans will cover pre-existing conditions, while others will exclude them.

Another important policy to consider is a homeowner's insurance policy. If you have a lien against your home, then you are required to have it insured. It only makes sense to have your home insured, because your home and belongings are the most important and valuable assets you own. A homeowner's policy is designed to protect homeowners, but of course there is usually a deductible to meet before you file a claim. The larger the deductible, the less expensive your homeowners policy may be.

A typical homeowner's insurance policy is divided into two parts: Property Protection and Liability Protection. Property is usually listed on the declarations page. Property Protection is normally broken down into four additional sections: dwelling, other structures, personal property and loss of use.

The Dwelling section covers your house, attached structures, plumbing, heating, and electrical. Other structures covers detached structures, such as garages, storage sheds, fences, driveways, sidewalks and patios. Personal Property covers personal property, including the contents of your home and other personal items. Loss of Use covers living expenses, if you can not live in your home while it is being repaired.

Then there is the Liability Coverage's section. This section is broken down into two parts, personal liability and medical payments. The Personal Liability section provides personal liability coverage against a claim or lawsuit resulting from bodily injury, or property damages to others that was caused by an accident on your property. The medical payments section includes coverage to pay medical expenses for people accidentally injured on your property.

As you are becoming more familiar with the structure of an insurance policy, we can not forget about the exclusions section. Most policies do not cover injuries to animals, damage to motor vehicles or aircraft. Nor do they normally cover losses due to floods, mudslides, water damage from sewer backups, war or nuclear hazard, neglect, earthquakes, or power failures. To cover these exclusions, it will cost you extra.

Congratulations, in taking the first important step towards protecting yourself or your property by purchasing an insurance policy. It makes sense to learn how to read and understand it. By doing so, you have gained the knowledge you need to ask the right questions when seeking advice from your insurance agent and potentially saving yourself a great deal of stress or heartache in the event you need to make a claim.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

How to Find a Job in Insurance


Do you have your insurance license and are ready to take the industry by storm? Are you an experienced agent, adjuster, underwriter, or broker looking for an exciting new challenge? Regardless of the level of your insurance industry experience, looking for a new job can be a time-consuming and frequently frustrating process. A big part of the job search process is knowing where to look for insurance positions.

Licensing is an important part of working in the insurance industry. Some companies will require that you hold a current applicable license before agreeing to hire you, while others are very willing to assist you in procuring the appropriate license(s). This requirement can even vary from department to department within the same company, so it will be necessary to check on the licensing requirement for each position when applying.

The following tips and tricks are designed to take some of the headache out of your search, by giving you some guidelines on steps you can take to land your ideal insurance industry position.

Depending on the type of insurance you are most interested in, visit the recruiting departments of various insurance agencies to inquire about available positions. If there are no current vacancies, ask if you can submit your resume to remain on file should future openings match what you are seeking.

Contact recruitment and contract employment agencies that work in the insurance industry. Aligning yourself with a recruiter can give you access to jobs that are often not advertised to the public. The great thing about recruiting agencies is that allow you to "apply" for positions at multiple companies simultaneously with a single resume submittal, since most recruiters will shop your resume around to all of the available openings.

Use the internet to your advantage. Searching for "insurance", "underwriting", "broker", "agent", "adjuster" or any number of other insurance-related terms on major job boards such as Monster.com and Hotjobs.com will unearth hundreds of available openings � just be aware that competition for these positions is stiff since hundreds of other professionals are looking at and applying for the exact same jobs.

Colleges and universities often have a database of available positions in the school's Career Center. Career Center advisors are also excellent sources of information on how to network in the industry and get your foot in the door. Schools that offer business, accounting, and financial degrees are especially likely to have insurance contacts. Note though, that many school limit Career Center resource access to current students or alumni.

Network, network, network! Let friends, family, and casual acquaintances know that you are on the market for a new position. Since most companies are much more willing to interview (and potentially hire) candidates who have already been vouched for, it's important to get the word out that you are available and seeking a new opportunity.

If you aren't deadset on working in a particular insurance field, take advantage of the wide range of positions available in the industry. Expand your job search to investigate opportunities in:

o Auto insurance
o Health insurance
o Workers' Compensation
o Other types of business insurance (such as E&O, EPLI, etc.)
o Life insurance
o Home owner's insurance

Don't be averse to accepting a contract, junior, or "training" position. This are often a great way to get you foot in the door in the insurance industry. It also gives you a chance to evaluate an organization and department to ensure it is a match before fully committing yourself to a long-term full-time position.

Searching insurance industry-specific job boards for available opportunities is a great way to target only those jobs that in the insurance industry.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

How to Lower the Cost of Your Car Insurance


Buying auto insurance is an important part of your overall financial planning. The auto insurance premium rate varies depending on the company and the type of policy coverage you choose to have. Here are some guidelines to lower the cost.

Shop Around- Compare the costs by shopping around at least four to five insurance companies and comparing the quotes. Take the help of your friends, relatives and yellow pages. Your insurance company should offer fair price and posses excellent service records. Check the financial ratings of the company as it indicates the strength and stability of the company.

Ask for higher deductibles- Deductible is the amount of money that you pay before making any claim for an accident. The collision and comprehensive coverage are sold with the deductibles. Higher the deductibles lower will be the premium rate. Increasing the deductible from $200 to $500 may reduce the cost by 15 to 30 percent.

Drop collision and comprehensive Coverage on older cars- If your car is worth less than 10 times your premium in the current market, consider dropping the collision and comprehensive coverage.

Buy auto coverage from your existing insurer- Buy insurance coverage from your existing carrier. This may help you to reduce the cost. Sometimes low rates are available for the longtime customers.

Avoid double health coverage- If you think that you have enough health insurance, and then avoid health coverage with your auto policy. This will help you to reduce the cost.

Maintain a good credit record- Insurers are using the credit history while determining the price of insurance. Statistically,the lower your credit score, the more you are likely to file claims. A person with a good credit score is more likely to settle the accident without the support of the company. Try to maintain a good credit record.

Discounts with low profile car- Cars that are expensive to repair or attractive to thieves will have a higher rate. Consider buying a low profile or average car as it your insurer might come up with discounts for such a car.

Take advantage of the low mileage discount- Obtain some discount on premiums by driving less than the national average mileage recorded per year.

Consult about group discount- Sometimes you can get some discounts on group plans provided by your employer, or a business groups, or other associations. Find out whether such a plan is available.

Seek Car Safety discount- Some insurers offer discount if you keep your car equipped with air bag, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, automatic seat belts. Take advantage of this.

Friday, January 19, 2007

Correct calculation is the key to cheap auto insurance


Many policy holders are unaware to the fact that they might be over paying their auto insurance. Any one who has a vehicle will agree that it is of their interest to insure their car for the cheapest price available and know that the services they receive for the price they pay are reliable.

So how do you do it? How do you get cheap auto insurance to go with a reliable service without going through too much hassle in the process? The answer is simple. It is all about understanding what you pay for and what type of coverages you really need as a policy holder.

Don't just pay for everything!

It is useless to pay for coverages that are not necessary. Let me explain with an example.
Your car is not new, in fact it is old and you have calculated and found out that the car's value is worth less than ten times your premium. In this case there is no reason to have comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance. You ask why? The answer is simple, comprehensive coverage reimburses you in case of any damage to your car that is not a result of a collision with another car including, theft, flooding and fire. If your car is not of high value there is no reason to have this coverage. You might ask but what happens if someone steals my car? Well the best way to prevent theft is installing anti theft devices, they are relatively cheap and will last for years. Oh here is a little secret in case you didn't know: Once you install an anti theft device be sure that your insurance company will charge you less since they know that these devices will prevent theft.

Cheap auto insurance � Keep yourself updated!

It is necessary to constantly update yourself on auto insurance strategies. To save, once a while go online and freely fill out auto insurance quotes. Compare the prices you get and you will find that it is not hard to get cheap auto insurance. Some basic strategies you can apply here is to raise your deductibles. Raising them from $250 to $500 can save you as much as 10 % from your premium. Again pay attention to what kind of coverages you really need and go according to that.

When comparing quotes pay attention to the details you enter. Always enter accurate information about yourself. There are still tricks you can use here. For example: try to compare the male and female as main drivers that will help a lot. Depending on the type of car insured and the main driver insured you will find that you can save a sufficient amount using this method.

By using the few strategies pointed out in this article you will find that you can start saving hundred of dollars right away and in certain cases you won't have to shift to a different insurance company. Calculate and does some research browse the internet a good place to start with is: http://www.adjustcredit.com/insurance/car/

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Be Aware Of Home Insurance Loopholes Before Buying


Most likely your home insurance policy covers the basic four areas that all plans will protect you for. In other words, any damage that is caused by weather, for example, to your home or other structure on your property will be covered. Also, should the unfortunate event of someone being injured or even dieing on your property occur, you will be covered against any consequent lawsuits. If any of your home's contents are damaged or stolen in a burglary you will be covered to replace them and finally, should you be put out of your home for a period of time due to a fire, say, you would be covered for the extra expenses involved.

As with most financial matters, home insurance is usually not as simple as this and it pays to read the small print of your policy. You are almost certain to find one or more loopholes that may mean certain events are not covered in the basic outline above. So, what are the common loopholes that you need to look out for?

A very common example of a home insurance loophole concerns the coverage relating to the building structures on your property. Perhaps you discover that termites have destroyed the foundation of your house and it needs repaired. This will not be cheap and so home insurance providers may be reluctant to cover the cost, as they will argue that the termites were probably there prior to the insurance deal being agreed.

If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods then th next loophole we discuss will be of interest to you. Especially since the huge disaster of Hurricane Katrina, basic home insurance coverage will not be enough to protect your home and its belongings against the effects of acts of God. You will probably need to pay extra for this, even more so if you do live in a high-risk part of the country. Interestingly, if your home is flooded due to bad weather then you will not be eligible to make a claim but if the flood is caused by burst pipes then you would be.

Many people are caught off-guard when a natural disaster occurs, so it pays to read the small print and, if necessary, take out additional cover to prevent heartache later on.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Pet Insurance : What To Look For


Keeping a pet is a rewarding experience which many of us enjoy, but it can also be expensive. As well as all the routine costs such as food and grooming, you can also come up against unplanned expenses such as vetinary bills through sickness or accident. These bills can unfortunately be very high, so to ensure that their pets can get the treatment they need many people decide that taking out pet insurance is a sensible way of helping to cushion these costs. But what should you be looking for in a pet insurance policy?

The first thing to consider is what kind of pet you have. The cheapest kind of pet insurance is that for the most common pets - cats and dogs. Prices for these policies can be very reasonable indeed, amounting to only the cost of a few tins of pet food a month. If, however, you keep a more unusual kind of animal as a pet, then the price you pay may well be higher. Make sure that any policy you take out specifically includes your kind of pet, as many will exclude more 'exotic' kinds of animal.

The main reason for considering pet insurance is cover for medical treatment, but there are some exclusions that you need to be aware of. Firstly, your policy will almost certainly not cover routine treatments such as vaccinations, flea control, or worming. Secondly, you won't be covered for any pre-existing conditions that were already known about when you took out the policy (you should also declare any existing conditions when you take out the policy, or you risk it being declared invalid when you come to make a claim).

You also need to check your policy for claim limits: there may be a time limit of cover, so for example a long-term condition such as arthritis may only be covered for a period of 12 months, after which you will be responsible for meeting the bills. There is also usually a limit to the total cost of medical bill claims you make in any one year, but this is usually high enough to cover almost any conceivable situation.

Another major reason for taking out insurance is to help you cover the costs of getting your pet back if it goes missing. Most policies will contribute towards advertising in local newspapers etcetera, and also to providing reward money for the safe return of your pet.

Another very important part of your insurance cover is public liability, especially for dog owners. Even the calmest and most well behaved of pets could possibly cause damage to someone's property, or even cause an injury to a person. In this thankfully rare event, you could be open to huge legal bills and compensation claims - make sure that your policy includes a substantial amount of third party liability cover as standard.

Finally, check whether the policy you're considering places a limit on the age of your pet. Many policies are only available to, for example, cats up until the age of eight years. As it is in later years that your pet is most likely to need treatment, it obviously makes sense to ensure your policy will cover this, especially if your pet has a few years under their belt!

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

The Benefits of Having Chula Vista Boat Insurance


The Benefits of Having Chula Vista Boat Insurance

Beautiful boating weather; many boat owners are only able to dream about it. However, if you live in or around the Chula Vista area is likely that you do not have to dream about beautiful boating whether. This is because the majority of the time you are blessed with calm, but beautiful waters, which are ideal for boating. While your foremost concern may be with the weather, it is not the only thing that should be on your mind.

When it comes to boating, there are many boat owners who are uninsured. If you are one of those individuals you may not only be putting your boat at risk, but your own personal finances as well. If you are currently without Chula Vista boat insurance, you are encouraged to at least consider obtaining it. With a small amount of research and careful examination, you may be surprised with all of the different ways that you can benefit from having a Chula Vista boat insurance policy.

Perhaps, the greatest benefit of having Chula Vista boat insurance for your boat is that it is protect. While your boat insurance will not prevent your boat from becoming damaged, it will help to protect your boat afterwards. In the event that you need to file an insurance claim and your claim is approved, you will be given money to pay for your boat repairs. This means that if you have a Chula Vista boat insurance policy, you do not have to have secondhand repairs. Your boat deserves the best and with a valid insurance policy, you may be able to give it the best.

In addition to offering your boat protection, you will also find that a Chula Vista boat insurance policy will also help to protect your finances. As previously, mentioned you will be awarded money to repair your boat, if you have a valid boat insurance policy. If you do not have Chula Vista boat insurance coverage, you will find that you have to pay for your own boat repairs, often out-of-pocket. Depending on your current financial situation, you may find it difficult or impossible to make the needed repairs.

Another benefit of Chula Vista boat insurance is that it may not only help to prevent you from having to pay for your own repairs, but it may also help to prevent you from being sued, especially in the event that a tragic accident occurs. If you boat is involved in an accident, it is possible that your onboard passengers or another boat's passengers may suffer some injuries. Depending on the Chula Vista boat insurance plan you choose, your passengers and others may be covered. This means that those individuals would be less likely to approach you in civil court to pay for their personal injury expenses.

As you can see, there are a number of benefits to having your boat covered under a Chula Vista boat insurance plan. In fact, the above mentioned benefits are just a few of the many. Once you make the decision obtain boat insurance, you will likely see just how many benefits there are to being properly protected.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Insurance For The Self-Employed


If you are self-employed, then you are often at greater risk of having unpredictable income or having periods without any work at all. If this happens, then you might not be able to keep up with your financial commitments. Also, being self-employed means that you need to take into consideration all the types of business insurance that are usually taken care of when you work for someone else. If you are self-employed and are not sure what type of insurance you need, then this article might be useful to you.

Revenue protection

Perhaps one of the most important insurance types that you need if you are self-employed is revenue protection insurance. If you work for yourself then it can be harder to maintain a steady income, and you have no one but yourself to fall back on. If you have revenue protection insurance then you are covered in the event that you have an accident or fall ill and cannot work. This will help to keep you financially stable during tough times.

Business property

If you have a dedicated business property, then it is important that you have adequate insurance to cover the property and its contents. If anything should happen to your property or its contents then you need to have adequate cover to recoup the cost of replacing everything. If you don't have adequate cover you may find yourself with a large repair bill or even the closure of your business.

Business equipment

Even if you have a limited amount of business equipment, it is important to make sure you have adequate cover. If you are a sole trader and work just from a computer, then make sure you have full insurance on your computer and that you can get it repaired or replaced very quickly. If this is your main business tool and you are not covered for it you may find yourself temporarily out of business.

Public liability

If you have premises or are in contact with the public during your business life, then you need to have public liability insurance in place. This covers you against claims in the event that a person or their property is injured because of your work or whilst on your premises. If you don't have public liability insurance then you could be left with an extremely large bill for compensation that you cannot pay. Also, many customers and businesses will not work with you unless you have adequate public liability insurance in place.

Goods in transit

If you are involved in shipping or transporting goods of any kind, then it is important you have insurance that covers their damage or loss. If you don't then you could lose a lot of money should anything go wrong. You should also make sure that you have adequate insurance for yourself if you need to travel on business.

Seek advice

If you are unsure about what level of cover you need and which types of insurance you require, then consult an independent financial advisor who will be able to point you in the right direction.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

How To Get The Best Contents Insurance Deal


Contents insurance is something that most people who own or rent a home will take out in their lives. However, many people don't get adequate cover or pay too much for their insurance. If you are unsure how to get the best contents insurance deal then this article can help you.

Why get contents insurance?

Contents insurance is important because it protects your valuable possessions in the event of damage or loss. Contents insurance will protect the items that you own from severe weather, theft, fire, flooding, civil disorder and impact from vehicles or trees. Although many people never have any of these things affect them, the unexpected can always happen and it pays to have contents insurance in place. If you cannot afford to lose something then it should be insured.

Types of cover

There are two main types of contents insurance cover available. One is called indemnity cover, and will replace items whilst taking into consideration their condition and general depreciation. The second and more comprehensive type of cover will replace any damaged or lost items with brand new items at the current market value. Obviously, the latter policy will be more expensive but will cover you more comprehensively, and you should opt for this type as long as you can afford it.

Special features

Many contents insurance policies have special features, such as cover for legal expenses, cover for food spoilage or cover for garages and outbuildings. Obviously the more comprehensive the cover then the most expensive it will be. If you want to keep your premiums low then remove any special features that you think you can do without.

Getting the best deal

Getting the best deal for your contents insurance involves some research and a lot of shopping around. Before you look for insurance, decide how much your possessions are worth so that you know the level of cover that you need. If you are getting an old items for new items policy, then value the items at their replacement value, not at the value they are currently worth. Once you have decided on an amount you can shop around for the best deal.

Look at both online and offline lenders to find the best deal. If you find that the amount of cover you need is beyond your financial means, then start to work out which items are more essential than others. Eventually you will find the right balance between premium costs and coverage level.

Keeping up to date

After you have contents insurance, it is important to keep the policy up to date. If you buy any new items of significant value, then make sure they are added to the policy. Also, if you move house you should check with your insurance company that you will be covered when your contents are being moved.

Security

One of the best ways to reduce premiums and also reduce the risk of having to claim on your insurance is to make sure your home is safe and secure. Get an alarm system, check all doors and windows and address any security issues that your property has. This will help you to get the best deal for your contents insurance.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Online Car Insurance Overview


Development of the Web for the past decade drastically changed car insurance business. The Internet makes it easy to find required information to get the best deals and insurance rates. You don't have to call your insurance agent any more, or visit their office to sign documents. All you need is a computer with an Internet connection.

Buying car insurance online has many advantages. It's a good way to reduce your insurance costs and save time. You can instantly get auto insurance quotes form different insurance companies, so that you are able to compare prices. Usually, many people pay too much for their car insurance policy only because they haven't enough time to shop around for the best rate. Now, this is not the case when you're buying insurance policy online. You can always find a good online discount broker. There are lots of them offering quotes from a wide range of companies.

Search the web and you will find many companies offering online car insurance. But it can be more of a challenge to find a reliable insurer, offering cheap auto insurance. Progressive, TESCO, GEICO, Insurance Finder and Direct are among of them. They offer various types of discounts, flexible payment options and much more. You can visit their websites for more detailed information.

However, it should be mentioned that, there are several types of coverage they offer. Typical auto insurance policy consists of three separate types of coverage: property, medical and liability coverage. And most car insurance policies last from six months to one year. But before making a decision in favor of a particular company, you should find out which one fits your needs best.

Car insurance market is a place of continuous evolution. And the Internet plays a decent role in its further development. New ways and methods are going to emerge in the nearest future.

Friday, January 12, 2007

Cheapest Car Insurance: Some Common Myths


Although receiving the cheapest car insurance isn't too complicated to secure, there exist many misconceptions when locating the top company. The following myths have confused many when beginning to find the cheapest car insurance. You must take care to avoid the following errors and misconceptions.

First Myth: One insurer has cheaper rate overall than another. Although this is true when comparing the exact same coverage for the same person, there's no such thing as a provider that always provides the lowest rate. If your situation alters, and changes always occur as grow older, you need to shop around again.

Myth Two: Once you find the lowest price, you ought to remain with it. Have you been given a ticket in the last few years? Have you gotten older in the past couple years? Have you relocated? Had any more kids? As the clock moves forward, the circumstances surrounding your cheapest car insurance have changed. The competing rates have almost certainly altered also. You should review companies again for the best savings.

Last Myth: You should rely on a rate comparing service. When searching for the cheapest car insurance, you will likely consume some type of service to get multiple rate quotes. You must take care, however, since your needs often don't be lined up with the company giving this service.

Possible potential conflicts include: 1. They may only be taking into account those insurers with which they get kickbacks. 2. They may give undue exposure to their product or one that provides the largest payout for them. 3. They may highlight unnecessary riders or coverage so that their highest paying insurer will look the best.

I wonder if you know someone who has given ear to these errors? Seeing that you have learned what to look out for, you are well on your way to getting the very cheapest car insurance! The more that comprehend this subject the better. If you desire to share your experience in getting the cheapest car insurance, you can post it to the site highlighted below. Your reviews are welcome!

Thursday, January 11, 2007

What Is a Flood Insurance Rate Map?


What Is a Flood Insurance Rate Map?

Millions of Americans have flood insurance coverage for their homes. Even more Americans should have flood insurance, but they don't. One of the most common reasons why flood insurance is not purchased is because of the price. Not having flood insurance coverage is something that can cause emotional, physical, and financial turmoil.

If you are a homeowner who currently does not have flood insurance, you need to determine whether or not you should get it. The easiest way to determine whether or not you need flood insurance is to determine your risk of flooding. This flooding may occur monthly, yearly, or every few years. If your basement floods with water every time it rains, you should obtain flood insurance if you do not already have it.

Previous flood damage is the most obvious sign that you should have flood insurance, but not all individuals are able to see the signs. That is why the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) developed Flood Insurance Rate Maps. A Flood Insurance Rate Map is a great way to determine if you live in an area that may experience flooding.

Many individuals wonder how a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map is developed. Many people think that if they can't predict flooding then how can the federal government? When it comes to developing a FEMA Flood Insurance Map, the government uses assistance from scientists and advanced equipment. The information is complied and used to determine the likelihood that an area will experience flooding in the event of too much rainfall or a natural disaster.

In addition to giving homeowners notice that they are living in a location that is prone to flooding, a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map is also used by the National Flood Insurance Program. To qualify for low-cost flood insurance coverage offered by the National Flood Insurance Program, an area must meet standard imposed by the program. The National Flood Insurance Program uses FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps to determine whether or not standards should be imposed.

It is important that you know that flood insurance can be beneficial to those who do not experience flooding on a normal basis. Most of the flooding in the United States occurs near coastal locations or other large bodies of water. It is important to note, that these are not the only places that flooding can occur. That is why you should at least consider flood insurance as an option, no matter where you reside. For flood insurance coverage with a 12% discount, contact an AmeriFlood agent today.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Finding Auto Insurance Comprehensive Coverage


Auto Insurance Compprehensive Coverage

You can go online to easily find and quote auto insurance comprehensive coverage. The definition could include basically (2) trains of thought. Often the term comprehensive merely applies to thorough physical damage in the event of loss to the vehicle itself. That's when auto insurance comprehensive coverage comes into play.

The other thought relates to overall benefits that include bodily injury, uninsured motorists, medical payments, under insured motorists, comprehensive and collision features. That essentially provides broad and pretty thorough coverage.

A broad range of coverage's naturally determine the final premium to be paid. You can adjust by picking and choosing, then requiting and eventually come up with a tailored policy the suits you and hopefully your pocket book.

Laws require we at minimum carry liability insured and lenders that finance our vehicles insist on comprehensive and collision during the time they are financing your auto � that's of course to protect their investment. Once the loan has been paid off you no longer are required to provide that coverage. Of all the elements available that portion of the coverage generally by far is the most expensive.

The costs of insurance are impacted by age, past driving experience, type of use, and what the vehicle is and its costs. It's worth checking out some quotes online before you even purchase a vehicle because in some cases you could be in for a huge shock and may want to re-think your choices. Then equiped properly with knowledge you'll be able to make and informed decision.

So, when it comes to finding what you need it's quite simple. Rather than jumping into the car and going to someone's office you simply go online, type in auto insurance comprehensive coverage and you'll have many resources to use in shopping for your coverage's and do it for free as well. Easy, fast and very convenient.

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Cheap auto insurance � Save before you buy a new car!


So you are planning on buying a new car that's great! And may I add congratulations! It is highly recommended that before you purchase your dream car you should shop around for reliable and cost effective auto insurance.

Your premium is based in part on the car's sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft, such as air bags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and anti-theft devices.

Preventing theft will help you get better auto insurance rates.

Naturally, cars that are favorite targets for thieves cost more to insure. You might want to take that in consideration when buying your future car. Anti theft devices are a must and the more you have installed the better. Auto insurance companies know that anti theft devices substantially reduce the chances of your car being stolen and they will quote lower auto insurance rates when you have the devices installed.

I believe that installing anti theft devices will give you peace of mind. It is a known fact that when a thief looks through the window of your new car and sees a blinking red light indicating that the immobilizer is functioning and active he will most likely turn around and leave. Sometimes you might like to add some more devices like; Anti-Theft Steering Wheel Locks, car alarms and wheel clubs.

Save yours and others lives and still save money

You can reduce auto insurance rates and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries by adding safety features to your car such as; air-bags, anti- lock brakes and daytime running lights. The more safety features added to your car will help you save lives and save money at the same time. When buying a new car these safety features will cost more, don't worry about that too much because in the long run you will see that your auto insurance payments will be lower and when you plan on selling your car in the future you will find a buyer in a short period of time. Not to mention that all these safety features make your car of higher value and therefore, they are a good investment.


You can find more useful information at our auto cheap insurance page.

Monday, January 8, 2007

Top Tips When Buying Annual Travel Insurance Online


arching for annual travel insurance, is thought to be an easy decision but in todays word of the Internet, people have found it be a more difficult decision with so many insurers online. From an online search on Google.co.uk, it brings back 91,200,000 and94,900,000 for those searching in the US on Google.com, so how does a customer search through these results Whether you are in the UK, USA, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand people want to ensure that their holiday or vacation goes trouble free, so there is no reason why a traveler should travel without insurance when policy quotes are getting cheaper in a highly competitive market.

There are many different products on the market with the market you need to ask yourself a few questions and this will then help you find your the a policy online using search engines;

Are you going to on vacation again this year? If you are only planning to go on holiday or vacation once a year then it is probably best to go for single trip insurance policy,as they will normally cover you for up to 21 days on a single trip, so try entering 'single trip travel insurance' into your favorite search to bring a more exact search.

As the average UK family takes 4 or more holidays a year, then it is more then likely that most people will take out an annual insurance policy but remember if you are going to USA or Canada, you will need a policy which covers for North America, as medical costs and liabilities are a lot higher there, so type in 'single trip / travel insurance+ USA cover' in to your favorite search engine

Are you planning to go skiing or snowboarding in the winter months, when you buy your policy in the summer?Make sure you add winter sports to your policy at time of purchase as some insurers wont allow you to add it later, this generally covers you for accidents and even if there is no snow but check your policy before purchasing, try typing 'single trip / annual travel insurance + winter sports' into your favorite search engine.

Another area is that of travel insurance for over 65s, some insurance companies will not cover you, so you will need to find an insurer that will, so try typing into your search engine; 'single trip / annual travel insurance + 65s'

Sunday, January 7, 2007

Car Insurance � use the Internet to get the best quotes


Before buying a car insurance policy everyone has to check the Internet for the fresh insurance quotes. The web is the best place for shopping around, when it comes to car insurance. Getting car insurance quotes online is a convenient, but sometimes a bit of complicated task, so you have to spend some time, before you get the best deal, that suits your needs. However, your efforts will be greatly rewarded not only because you can get the cheapest quote, but also that many insurance companies offer special discounts for those who buy insurance online. Thus you can save quite a substantial amount of money.

Another reason why you should use the Internet for getting insurance quotes is that insurance market is flexible and it's quite difficult to observe constantly changing circumstances. But when you search for quotes on the web you can get information from different sources, different companies and different brokers in a relatively short period of time.

Try different ways of search, when looking for insurance quotes on the web. Use popular search engines along with insurance specific directories. Try different keywords in your search queries; use your area specific keywords along with general search terms. For instance, if you live in San Diego then you can type a search phrase like "car insurance in San Diego" or something like that. On the other hand insurance specific directories provide you with categorized lists of insurance companies. This can help you greatly in your research, because you just have to look through a specific category rather then browsing through the whole directory.

Always get quotes from three or more insurance companies, so you can compare them. Pay attention to a company's credibility history and if you have to make your choice between two insurers then give your preference to an established one rather then to a newly born company.

Although your online research should be thorough, this doesn't mean you should restrict yourself with a keyboard and a mouse. Instead, ask you friends for their opinion about the companies you're planning to deal with. May be they can suggest you an insurer you haven't heard about or share their experience. Probably they can give you a good advice.

Be prepared to spend a couple of days on searching car insurance companies online. Study these companies, talk to their representatives. If you are patient enough, you'll save several hundred dollars on your car insurance.

For more information about car insurance visit Sheilas' Wheels Car Insurance.

Saturday, January 6, 2007

Motorhome Insurance: Nine Golden Rules to Follow When Purchasing Insurance


Your motorhome is probably the second most valuable asset you own after your house. But study after study has shown that a large percentage of owners are underinsured. This can have costly consequences if anything should happen to your motorhome. Follow these Nine Golden Rules when considering insurance for your motorhome or RV to make sure that you have the coverage that you need.

1) Fully consider the risks that relate to when and where you use your motorhome. Motorhomes go to places that automobiles don't always go, such as campsites, river banks, forested areas. For instance, if you often park under trees then make sure you are protected from tree damage.
2) Make sure there are adequate limits within the policy to cover the high costs of repair and towing. Will these be sufficient when you live five states away from the incident?
3) Ensure you have adequate coverage for liability claims related to bodily injury and property damage. Liability claims are spiralling upwards every year.Is the coverage high enough to cover the potential liability? What coverage do you have on existing policies that might be applicable?
4) Check that there is coverage for damage or loss of contents as well as for add-ons such as awnings. Contents and add-ons can be extremely expensive to replace. Check whether the policy is 'new for old' or 'replacement cost only'. With the former you will get the value of item if you were to buy it today while with the latter you will only get its replacement value--or what the item is worth.
5) Investigate limits and conditions related to medical expenses, protection against other drivers and damage to your motorhome. Be sure that there is adequate coverage if you suffer damage caused by an uninsured third party.
6) Choose a reputable insurance company that has a respectable claim-to-payout ratio. A company with a low ratio will probably mean that it is hard for you to make a successful claim. You also want an insurance company that is going to be around when it's time to pay out!
7) Make sure you have flexibility in choosing a repair shop or that you are happy with the insurance company's choice. This will vary by state and county, so make sure you will be well represented if the worst happens.
8) Check what general exclusions the company has in its policies. Compare these exclusions with policies from other companies so you can be confident in the policy you choose.
9) Check for the level of incidental expenses allowed and that there is adequate provision for towing the motorhome back to base or providing alternative transportation.

Follow these Nine Golden Rules to make sure that you have the insurance coverage you need on your motorhome. That way, you can really enjoy the carefree life of motorhoming without the worry of insurance over you!

Friday, January 5, 2007

How To Decide What Level Of Home Insurance You Should Take Out


As with all matters of a financial nature, the specifics of home insurance are a non-trivial topic. If you are a new homeowner then you most likely are unsure of how much coverage you need to take out. Generally home insurance will come with a basic level of coverage and then it is up to you to decide on the various options and add-ons that you may consider necessary.

One of the major considerations you will have is how much coverage you will need to protect against the damage caused by natural disasters. If your home was completely destroyed, how much would it cost you to rebuild it? Remember, this may be less than the amount that you paid for your house as some of that payment covers the land your house was built on which you will still own. You should also take into account inflation when considering how much it will cost you to for reconstruction.

Usually, home insurance policies cover no less than around 80% of the damages caused by an act of God on your home. This means that the additional excess of 20% will have to be covered by you, the homeowner. If you live in a particularly high-risk are such as one that is commonly struck by bush fires or hurricanes then you may feel happier taking out the full 100%. While this will, of course, cost you more for your premium it could be make all the difference if the worst were to happen.

The other important part of your policy will be how it relates to covering your personal belongings. You may need to shop around to find a suitable provider here, as they do vary in how much contents they will protect. Keeping a safe record of your contents is a good idea especially if you have uniquely expensive items such as antiques. In fact, it would be a good idea to get these types of possessions appraised for value so you know how much to claim if they do happen to be damaged or stolen.

Thursday, January 4, 2007

How You Can Save On Auto Insurance


There are several little things that determine the cost of auto insurance. When properly attended to these can significantly reduce the costs associated with insuring the vehicle.

Auto insurance is mandatory and many people treat the paying for it like a utility bill - something that just got to be done and the least bothered with the better. Therefore they just go to the same place year after year to pay for it, perhaps not realizing that significant savings can be realized otherwise.

One of the simplest that can be done is just having a look around for what is available out there. Getting a few quotes from competing insurance companies might take a bit of foot work, driving around or calling. But also with the current proliferation of Internet it is ever so easy to check out everything from the pleasant and easy reach of your computer.

One of the things insurance companies often do in determining the client's cost of the insurance premium is looking up his or her credit history. So having it improved can obviously save money. Credit management is a whole other topic but briefly here - anyone is entitled to free credit score report on oneself up to once every 12 months. Each of the credit reporting agencies being Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are obligated by law to comply with such request.

How can one improve the credit score? Naturally paying all the bills on time will have the biggest impact. Also each of those reports will contain the positive and negative information determining the overall score. Some of such can be erroneous and if so can be removed by one of the above companies. Also switching to new auto insurance after any particular derogatory remark in the report expires � as these all do � will have a positive impact on the insurance premium paid.

Also you don't need to pay for fancy or frequent credit reports basic one is all that is needed. And once we are on that topic - there are some companies around that say they offer a 'free' credit report while it is not free at all - the fine print states that an annual 'membership fee' needs to be paid in order to obtain that 'free credit report'. So that is something to certainly be careful about.

And one more tip here. Not all car models have the same 'insurance worthiness' in the eyes of the insurance companies. For example - if the car model has parts that are more costly to replace or fix then the insurance premium on it will be higher. Also if the particular car make is statistically shown as being stolen more often then that will also drive the insurance premiums up.

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Need Motor Insurance ?


For good motor insurance that will cost you less, Dovetail recommends Directchoice.

Save time and money by getting Direct Choice to 'shop around' for the right cover at the right price.

Dovetail doesn't provide motor insurance - we're not experts - but Direct Choice are. They also provide insurance for home, caravan, motor bike, van and breakdown. Click on the links at the bottom to get a quote.

They started in 1974 and they're now one of the biggest brokers in the UK. We recommend them because they'll look after you from quotation to claim to renewal.

Why try Direct Choice?

Like Dovetail, they're completely independent so, unlike a direct insurer, they scour the entire market to get you the best deal.

If you have a problem with your insurer, they'll help you - with a direct insurer, you're on your own.

They take away the hassle and tedium of finding the right cover and price and do it for you.

They compete aggressively with the direct insurers and take more business from them than they lose.

They invest in their people and systems to ensure you get the best possible service.

Tuesday, January 2, 2007

Insurance Myth: Homeschoolers Don't Qualify for a Good Student Discount


Evidence suggests that homeschool students exhibit levels of maturity and responsibility exceeding peers of the same age. Regrettably, the insurance industry has fallen behind others in addressing the unique qualities of homeschoolers.

I'm speculating here, but I believe this is due to the variations in state law and reporting requirements for home schooling. It may be nearly impossible for companies to identify the cream of the crop of this group. Some states need third party verification of a student's progress or parents must first acquire a teaching certificate before they may homeschool their children. Unlike most other states, Indiana is perhaps the most condusive to empowering parents to educate their own children and the least restrictive in its requirements.

My industry's approach tends to be one-size-fits-all. If a company cannot identify a factor which can be applied to all markets (i.e.,. every state in which they do business), they won't bother.

It is encouraging to see a change in this trend. Family-friendly, regional companies like Indiana Farmers Mutual are thinking creatively and now reward qualifying homeschool students with the same 10% good student discount their peers in public and private school can obtain.

This is one of benefits of insuring with a regional carrier like Indiana Farmers. Since they only do business in Indiana, they are able to address the specific needs of this market. They are not constrained by the one-size-fits-all standard that many national carriers are faced with.

Congratulations to you Indiana Farmers. It is exciting to see such industry leadership coming from an insurance carrier in Indiana.

Monday, January 1, 2007

Direct Car Insurance Made Easy


Direct Car Insurance is the option of buying your car insurance directly from an authorized insurance company instead of going through insurance middlemen and independent agents.

To explain let us take this example. If you are sick with pain in your joints, there are two options you can choose from. You either go to a general practitioner and he would recommend certain medicines that would ease your pain. Or, you proceed directly to an orthopedic specialist, one who specializes in illnesses related to the bones of the human body. Chances are that the bone specialist would be able to diagnose the exact nature of your ailment and prescribe maybe some medicines or exercises that will at once have better effect on your condition. The general practitioner would probably have an idea about your actual condition but may not be in a position to accurately treat it.

Something similar happens when you choose a direct car insurance policy over an indirect car insurance policy.
One may argue that it is far easier to get quotes and information on car insurance policies from multiple indirect sources, as there are plenty in the car insurance market. It may also be a better idea as these indirect car insurers offer a wide variety of services in order to keep their car insurance policies better than the rest.

This is however not without its associated costs. Remember middlemen and independent agents and such indirect car insurers are in a business and not providing you the service out of charity. They obviously are looking for their profits. While on the look of it you may be offered multiple services at some good prices, you must never forget that you are paying a higher rate for the same. The independent car insurance agents are putting in their profits into the quote. The larger these independent car insurance companies are, the higher the hidden costs.

The direct car insurance agencies, on the other hand have their benefits. If you go at first to a direct car insurance company, you will directly be in touch with the car insurance provider itself. These direct car insurance providers are usually large companies which have in house services like emergency pick up vehicles, tie ups with official car service centers, legal advisors and such important services. What happens here is that these direct car insurance providers may not have to outsource their services to other car insurance agencies? Even if they do, they have clear and set procedures that are outlined. This removes the reasons for inordinate delays in providing emergency car services, settling claims and providing interim relief through rent a car services etc.

When you buy a policy from a direct car insurance agency you also save on costs. You can get cheaper car insurance with some very good facilities. Remember it is not the amount of services that you can get but whether those services can be used when you need them.

You may even be able to work out cheaper premiums for flexible periodic payments as well when you go to direct car insurance agencies. And to top it off you may even get some free extra covers along with your standard cover as well. These come in handy and end up saving you some money at a later stage. For example you may get free extended territorial cover or the direct car insurance agency may offer extended legal liability to family members. These would be specific to the district of residence of course.

There are some direct car insurance agencies that also offer you a better premium if you insure more than one car with them. This really gets you a good reduction in your associated costs and it always helps if there is just one direct car insurance agency that has to be co-coordinated with at all times.

There are quite a few car insurance companies which provide direct car insurance and you may need to shop around a little before you actually make your decision. This will also give you adequate knowledge about what the direct car insurance agencies are offering in the car insurance market. So remember, going in for direct car insurance is in the larger picture more beneficial to your pocket!