What Is Included With Dental Insurance Coverage?

by Daniel Millions

Dental insurance plans can help individuals and families save a lot of money with respect to dental care and treatment. There are different types of such plans and some plans are more expensive than others. But the difference in the diverse plans offered by different insurance providers mostly lies in the coverage of dental procedures what is reimbursed and what is not. It is therefore important to consider what is covered in a plan very carefully before signing up for one.

Full coverage normally refers to all dental procedures that can be expected to be carried out with the goal of keeping teeth healthy and restoring them. However, there exist some misunderstanding as to full coverage, whereby people often believe that it implies that all dental procedures are covered by the dental insurance plan. If this was the case, then one would have to look at price alone in order to determine which one of the plans is the best one to adopt. Needless to say, it would be the cheapest one.

Therefore when examining the different plans, it is vital to understand what each one of them covers and what they do not cover. Some plans may cover basic dental procedures, such as checkups and cleanings, but not more complex ones, such as implants or dentures. Some will cover major dental procedures, and not the basic ones. These types of coverages are not to the benefit of the clients. People most often than not go to the dentist for basic dental care and treatments which, if catered to carefully and regularly, will diminish the risk of having recourse to major dental procedures. On the other hand, it is also important to have coverage for major, expensive dental procedures, as they may still be necessary, though on a less frequent basis.

Minor treatments, along with basic dental care, are usually included in full coverage dental plans. They include tooth extraction, fillings, treatment of roots, gums, cavities, among others. They are not considered as overly costly procedures, unlike major dental procedures. However, they usually involve co-payments and deductibles on the part of the client.

Major dental procedures such as prosthodontics (dentures, implants, bridges) are really very expensive, and therefore dental plans which cover these are quite worthwhile. Insurance providers know that these types of procedures arise less frequently, and are the result of not getting appropriate basic dental care. These procedures may be more subject to exclusions such as waiting periods. It may happen that people sign up for dental insurance plans which offer full coverage as to major dental treatments; being fully aware that they will be going through them.

Orthodontics (straightening of teeth, treatment including braces, retainers) usually forms part of cosmetic dental procedures, which does not find a great place, when it finds one, in dental plans. Indeed, these are barely, if not at all covered with dental insurance plans. The argument for this fact is that dental insurance plans, like medical insurance plans, work towards the sole aim of keeping people healthy or restoring their health. Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, aims at improving appearance of people, and is therefore not covered by most dental insurance plans.

Before signing up for a dental insurance plan, people should therefore examine very carefully what the full coverage refers to. They should know exactly what their needs are and choose their dental plan accordingly. They should avoid making assumptions as to what is covered, so that they will not end up paying for dental procedures that they believed to be included in the coverage of their dental insurance plan.

How Smoking and Obesity Can Affect Your Life Insurance

by Jenny Longmuir

Insurance companies calculate the cost of a persons life insurance cover by assessing risks in their lifestyle and high-risk lifestyle choices such as smoking and being overweight can increase your premiums by a significant amount.

One study found that the average smoker paid 56% more than a non-smoker. The study was based on nine of the UK's top insurance companies and examined the premiums quoted for two men aged 30 asking for £100,000 cover over 25 years. The only difference between the application details was that one was a smoker and the other wasn't.

Whether this is fair or not is a matter of opinion. From the point of view of the insurer, the issue is simple; smoking increases the risk of someone developing certain types of cancer and serious illnesses. If there is a potential risk, it will be factored into your premium.

Giving up smoking can reduce a person's premium, although, to qualify as a non-smoker, most insurance companies insist that you must not have smoked or otherwise consumed any form of tobacco product during the previous 12 months. Indeed, some companies go further and extend the qualifying period to 5 years.

The life insurance industry has also recently tightened its belt on the overweight members of society. Previously, only people with a Body Mass Index of 33 or more were considered as overweight. This level has now been reduced by 16%. Now anyone with a BMI of 28 or more is likely to face premiums loaded by at least 50% and as much as 400% if you're really obese.

Insurance companies will often ask an applicant to disclose their height and weight, and then use this information to determine their BMI. If someone's BMI is outside what they consider normal limits, they may be asked to undergo a medical examination to confirm their health status. This is particularly important because in some cases, people with a higher BMI are not necessarily at risk - someone who is very fit, with a high proportion of muscle, may have a higher BMI because muscle is heavier than fat.

Obesity is a growing problem. Over the last 20 years obesity in adults has risen, with more than 60% of men and 50% of women being judged as overweight or obese. And signs are that the problem won't improve. In children aged between 2 and 15, 28% of girls and 22% of boys are overweight.

Obese people are more likely to visit their GP's surgeries and hospital clinics, and to then need treatment, than average weight patients. With the National Health Service's cost for these 'obesity' patients estimated to be at £15 billion a year, it is no wonder insurance companies are becoming increasingly concerned. The simple fact is that overweight and obese people are more likely to suffer from health problems such as diabetes, stoke and heart attack.

However, insurance companies will also take a person's age into account when determining how their BMI affects their premiums. Most people do naturally gain a little weight as they age - 'middle aged spread' is a fact of life that insurance companies do acknowledge. As you age, the effects of weight on premiums does reduce slightly, and insurance companies are more likely to be lenient with someone who is overweight at 55 than if someone overweight at 35.

Are You Paying Too Much For Your Loan Insurance?

When you take out a loan, it is likely that you will be offered loan insurance to protect your payments should you be unable to keep up with them due to illness or unemployment. However, many of the loan insurance policies on offer cover you for very little and are extremely expensive. If you want to find out what you should be paying for loan insurance and what to avoid then this article can help you to decide.

What is loan insurance?

Loan insurance is often known as payment protection insurance or PPI. This type of insurance covers you if you cannot make your loan payments because of an accident, illness or involuntary unemployment.

How much does it cost?

The price of loan insurance can vary greatly, but is usually added as an extra to your payments each month. Although the payment figure might look small, if you add it to the total loan amount and then add interest the number can seem much more.

Hidden costs

Although a loan might seem cheap, when payment protection is added the loan price can increase significantly. For instance, the amount you pay back on a £5000 loan over 5 years can increase by over £1,500 when loan insurance is added. Often, loan insurance is added without you knowing about it, which means you are paying for something you didn’t even ask for.

The benefits

Despite its high cost, there are some benefits to loan insurance. It can give you the peace of mind that if something should happen to you then your payments are covered for up to a year. This means that you won’t be in financial difficulty or risk default if you are ill or injured. If this sort of security is important to you then loan insurance is probably a good idea.

Lack of cover

Although it can give you peace of mind that you will be covered, loan insurance has extremely limited coverage. For example, if you are self employed it is unlikely that the unemployment clauses will cover you unless your business has ceased trading. Before getting any loan insurance you should check that you are covered for the things that are important to you, otherwise the policy is not worthwhile.

Alternatives

There are some alternatives to loan insurance that are usually cheaper. Firstly, you can usually get the same sort of loan insurance cover independently from your loan provider. The price of this insurance is usually much lower than the price offered by your insurance company. Also, some of the clauses of the loan insurance may already be covered under other insurance policies that you have. Loan insurance can be worthwhile, but unless you are covered and can get the insurance for a good price then it is usually not worth having. However, if you shop around and know exactly what you need to be covered for, you can find insurance that will cover you in the event that you cannot keep up with your loan repayments.

Dental Discount Plans vs Dental Insurance | What's The Difference and Which is Better?

This particular topic has been very confusing for many consumers. Most people relate any type of medical coverage "solution" to insurance, however, in this particular case there are questions that need to be answered before you go and spend your hard earned money.

First, let's take a look at traditional dental insurance:

There are a few different things that need to be looked at, but we'll begin with Premiums. Premiums for most dental insurance plans will run in the range of $30.00-$50.00 per month for an individual and as high as $100.00 per month for families.

Pre-existing conditions are not covered by dental insurance. This means that if you need a root canal, for example, and you want to get it taken care of, but don't want to pay for it, getting dental insurance won't help you. You'd receive a discount on the procedure if you've had your policy in place for more than one year (in most cases).

There are also deductables, limitations on what procedures are covered and annual maximums of coverage.

This means that no matter how much it costs to have your particular dental problem taken care of, your policy will only cover a certain amount in a one year period.

With most dental insurance there are also waiting periods before you can be approved to have certain major procedures performed. Written claims paperwork must also be performed in order for your dentist to be paid. Also, if you have a procedure performed, that you assumed was covered, but you later discover that your insurance didn't cover it, you would be responsible for the payment to your dentist.

Certain cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening (cosmetic dentistry), are rarely covered.

Now let's take a look at dental discount plans:

Dental discount plans are plans that allow you to see a dentist for a procedure and receive a substantial discount for paying cash at the time of your visit.

Most of these plans are very inexpensive to join and will work well for individuals, families and groups.

Some of the benefits of dental discount plans vs insurance are:

Most plans are activated within 1-2 business days, so if you need to see a dentist, you can usually do so fairly quickly.

Pre-existing conditions are covered, in most cases. This means that if you need a root canal done then you can go to one of the dental providers in your network and you'll receive a substantial discount just for showing your member card and paying in full at that time. You get your root canal taken care of and save a few hundred dollars (in most cases) and your dentist gets paid in full with no long wait and tedious paperwork to fill out. It's a "win, win" for both the patient and the dentist.

The one drawback with dental discount plans is that you can only see a dentist that is a part of the plan's network of providers. In many cases you'll find that your dentist has already joined. If not, you can always show them what you're considering and ask him to look into joining too. It makes sense for him or her to do so.

There are no annual limits with discount plans. As long as you pay the discount to your dentist, you can go every single day if you want. I doubt that you'll need that, but I'm just making a point. No paperwork hassles either. Just show your card each time you visit and you're in.

Cosmetic procedures and othodontics are available with select plans. Check into this with your provider before joining.

Lastly, there are no health or age restrictions, so practically anyone can join.

If you haven't purchased any coverage yet for yourself or your family, then why not take a look at dental discount plans? They might be just what you're looking for.

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Protecting Your Property | Property Insurance Is A Must

Protecting Your Home

Homeowner insurance is a must, of course, if you own your home. All homeowners realize that, but it's not always easy to determine the right dollar amount of homeowner insurance you should have for adequate protection.

Homeowner Insurance is designed to offer you the financial wherewithal to rebuild if you're faced with natural or other disaster such as fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake or terrorism. Unfortunately all too often homeowner policyholders realize far too late that they haven't adequate homeowner insurance coverage to help them get back to their customary way of life.

If you have homeowner insurance, renters insurance, or insurance on your condominium that doesn't necessarily mean that you're fully protected from any unforeseen disaster or tragedy. Though the percentage varies by study, third party research reports have determined that between half and three fourths of homeowners in the U.S. have underinsured their primary residence.

You should periodically meet with your homeowner insurance agent and review your homeowner policy, taking into consideration the current replacement value of your home and the goods and property covered under your policy. Since you first purchased your homeowner insurance, your requirements for coverage might have changed, the value of your home most probably has increased in value, or you might have made significant purchases and improvements that now need to be added to your homeowner coverage.

Your homeowner insurance policy does add a small annual inflation cost to the policy which, all things being the same, would be adequate. If, however, you've remodeled, reheated, added on a deck , patio or pool, or refinished your attic or basement, your house will have realized a significant value increase. You'll almost certainly need a new assessment so that should a disaster occur you can replace what you've lost.

Should disaster such as tornado, flood or fire befall your home, your homeowner policy could have a ceiling on the dollar figure they will reimburse you. A homeowner general casualty policy, for example, that is endorsed to replace the cost of the building, the insurance carrier is pledged to pay up to 125 percent of the home's valuation. If, in this example, the house is insured at $200,000, the homeowner policy will reimburse the homeowner $250,000. If you've underinsured your home you may end up holding the bag for the remainder of the replacement costs.

If your home is a costly upscale property you may want to think about a homeowner policy feature that guarantees coverage up to home replacement value. Many insurance firms offer this upscale homeowner policy feature.

Consider too that while your home may not have increased in value beyond the automatically inflated homeowner policy valuation your possessions may well have done so. You may have added expensive electronics or furs, or may have high value personal items whose value increases with age, such as jewelry, and coin or stamp collections.

One important money saving factor in the cost of your homeowner policy is that most insurance carriers give 2 to 15 percent discounts on homeowner safety and security equipment and products such as dead bolts, grates on windows, and smoke or burglar alarms. Securing your home, however, must take personal safety into consideration. What you don't want to do is develop such a homeowner fortress that you cannot escape in the event of a fire or another in-home emergency.

Burglars are most likely to avoid your home however, if you light it up, if breaking into your home is time consuming or noisy. In fact, homeowner research has proven that burglars do not attempt to break into houses that would take them more than five minutes to enter.

Choosing the best online motorbike insurance

Motorcycle Courier Insurance is vital as our roads become more congested and the hazards become more real. You need a good Motorcycle courier insurance quote if you are to be safe whilst out on the road and to have piece of mind. Thanks to the Internet you can get cheap Motorcycle insurance and keep the necessary repayments within budget.

The trouble that has kept many motorcycle couriers at a loss is in getting the right Motorcycle Insurance for their needs. It used to be that trying to get an insurance quote would be impossible because many insurance companies would be uninterested in the thought of doing business with them or that the premiums would be sky high. This has all changed and insurance companies are more than willing to give you cheap Motorcycle courier insurance. When you look for a Motorcycle Courier Insurance online make sure that you can find a reputable dealer to give you an honest courier insurance quote. There are many companies out there and they are all willing to get you a good deal, but you need to be an informed customer. Make sure that you know what sort of policy you require before you start to shop.

Cheap courier insurance is offered by many of the best insurance firms and brokerage sites on the Internet. They compare hundreds of different policies and can show you the ones that would most suit your business needs.You no longer need to look for individual policies yourself and don't have to compare levels of cover and payment when you choose Motorbike Insurance. The hard work out of shopping for the right deal has all been done for you and you need spend very little effort in getting the courier insurance quote you need. By simply filling in one simple form you can find the best matched policies and some great deals in cheap Motorcycle courier insurance.The best deals in Motorcycle Courier Insurance will easily be tailored to suit your individual needs. You will be able to find the best cover at the best price.

The insurance providers and brokerage firms that operate online will be professional and efficient in getting you the right policy. They will be able to answer any of your concerns or queries promptly and make each aspect of your potential policy easy to understand.You can pay for your Motorcycle Insurance in a variety of different ways and the professionals will be able to help you out. You can also tailor your monthly repayments to fit your budget and rest easily knowing that your policy will not be too expensive.

Getting the right deal in Motorcycle Courier Insurance can help you make great savings and give excellent piece of mind. You will be protected in the event of accident or theft and dependent on your level of coverage you can have all eventualities covered.To find out more about Motorcycle Insurance simply go online and search for the great insurance quotes that are out there.

10 Reasons Why Pet Insurance Is A Must

Pets today need insurance as the cost of medical treatments are very high and in breeding and other problems have made pets more susceptible to diseases and other problems. Pet insurance can cost anywhere between USD 2000-6000 over the life of a pet and the amount of premium to be paid would depend on many variables like breed, age, and more.

Pet insurance can be bought online or offline from leaders like: Pet care Insurance Companies; Veterinary Pet Insurance Company; Pets Best Insurance; and Vet Insurance. The best way to insure a pet is to ask your vet for advice. Pet insurance at affordable rates can be purchased online from websites devoted to pet insurance and pet care. The premium to be paid depends on age of pet, general health of pet, breed of pet, potential risks for susceptible diseases and so on.

Before investing in insurance you must do your homework and find out all you can about polices, how to keep premiums low, and how to buy the best pet insurance at the most affordable rate. The internet is a knowledge highway and has great information on pets, insurance options, and more. Make the effort to educate yourself.

Medical treatment can cost thousands of dollars. And treatments for hip diseases, cancers, kidney failure and more can cost between USD 1000- 5000. In case of disease or accidents pets can be treated and nursed back to health instead of “put down.”

Here are a few reasons why pet insurance is to be considered:

1. A pet is a family member and death due to accident or illness can upset children. Insurance coverage could save the life of the pet.

2. Pet insurance gives peace of mind and owners can stop worrying about unpaid bills or pets crossing roads.

3. Pet insurance ensures longer life spans of pets.

4. Insurance offers preventive health care, which means diseases can be detected in pets at early stages when treatments can offer cures.

5. Pet insurance covers expensive diagnostics and hospitalization expenses for pets.

6. Pet insurance can save the life of the pet as it covers treatments like radiation therapy and kidney replacements.

7. Pet insurance releases the burden of having to pay when the family is going through lean times such as being “laid off” or having a personal illness to deal with.

8. Pet insurance can help you get a deductible which is cost saving and the insurance will protect the pet.

9. Pet insurance offers regular health checks, shots, elective and non elective surgeries, and sometimes extended stays at a pet boarding house.

10. In general pet insurance can cost as little as USD 20-40 a month and this brings good health and cheer to the pet, very much a family member.

Pet insurance could save the life of a dear one without straining your wallet.

What Should You Look Out For When Getting Cheap Auto Insurance?

When shopping for auto insurance, it is important that you seek out the best deals for your money. Many are under the impression that car insurance rates are determined by the overall quality of the automobile insurance that is provided. However, there are many companies out there that offer cheap auto insurance and offer quality benefits, and services. Here, you will be introduced to a few things that you should look out for when it comes to getting cheap auto insurance. Whether you are shopping for rates that will cover a used vehicle, or a new one, these helpful techniques will assist you in your endeavor.

One of the very first things that you should do when searching for the cheapest auto insurance rates is to make a personal commitment to shop and compare. It is important to not just compare the prices of the coverage that is offered by various insurance companies. It is equally important to compare the services and the benefits that are associated with the coverage itself. Many times, you may find that a higher costing insurance coverage may not offer as many benefits to you as a low costing insurance can, or vice versa. However, if you take the time to shop and compare every aspect of the coverage, you are sure to find out some things that catch your interest.

The next thing that you should look out for when it comes to shopping for car insurance is discounts. Yes, many car insurance companies advertise discounts for safe drivers, and similar discounts but did you know that many companies have discounts available that they do not advertise? When calling about your potentially new policy in car insurance, you should ask about discounts, like:

• For keeping your car in a locked yard

• Keeping your vehicle in a garage

• Safe driving discounts

• Driving course discounts

• Discounts for military personnel

• Senior Citizen discounts

• And, similar discounts!

You will probably discover that you qualify for more discounts than you ever imagined. However, you must understand that most auto insurance companies will not advertise these discounts. It is important that you inquire about these when you call to establish your rates for coverage with that particular company.

There are many features that can add additional discounts to your auto insurance policy. When inquiring about and seeking out cheap insurance plans, you should research these features to determine if any of them qualify you for additional discounts. You will be surprised to find that items such as certain brake systems, and airbags can prove to be beneficial when it comes to lowering the cost of your insurance.

In conclusion, there are many different things that you should look for when it comes to your car insurance. The items mentioned throughout this guide can lead you to save hundreds on your car insurance each year. If you are looking to obtain cheap car insurance, you must know and understand the basics behind the prices that are charged for car insurance.

Life Insurance Settlement! Cash for Life Insurance Policy!!

A Life Insurance Settlement is the sale of a life insurance policy to a third party in exchange for a cash settlement in excess of the policy’s cash surrender value—even if none exists! This is also called as Life Insurance settlement, Insurance settlement or Senior settlement.

This innovative wealth and estate planning tool removes the burden of expensive insurance premium payments in addition to providing the lump sum cash settlement. To get the highest life settlements is to improve the quality of life during your retirement years.

Hitherto, elderly Americans with life insurance policies they do not need or cannot afford to keep up have had little option. They will let the policies lapse or sell them back to their insurers. Now lots of them are glad to have an alternative buyer. Clients may now be able to sell their policy for far more than the cash surrender value the insurance carrier would offer.

Clients will often ask if there are any restrictions on what the cash payment can be used for. The answer is that there are no restrictions whatsoever on what the cash payment can be used for. They can use the money to purchase new insurance, travel the world, start a business, buy a property or fulfill their dreams. The money is theirs to simply enjoy and use it for any reason they can think of. In fact, seniors can use the cash settlement for medical expenses, living expenses, or anything they desire—with no restrictions.

How much money will the clients get when they go for Life insurance settlement?

The value of a life insurance policy is determined by a number of factors. Typically, a Life settlement is about three to five times the cash surrender value of the policy.

What Life Insurance Policies Qualify for Insurance settlement?

1. Must be at least 65 years of age

2. The face value of the policy is at least $50,000

3. The insured has experienced deterioration in health since the insurance policy was issued; life expectancy is under 15 years

4. The insurance policy is in effect beyond the two year contestable period

What types of polices are purchased?

Any policy owner, including individuals, corporations, charities or trusts, may sell any life insurance policy, including group and term policies.

The life insurance settlement value could be potentially much higher than the cash settlement of your life insurance policy. Don't continue to pay expensive premiums for coverage you no longer need, and don't surrender the policy or let it lapse.

The Life insurance settlement or Senior settlement solution is typically the Win-Win scenario that you have been looking for.

Wedding Insurance | Say "I Do"

Many brides ask whether or not they should purchase wedding insurance. In my opinion the answer should be an unequivocal "Yes." According to TheWeddingReport.com the average cost of a wedding today is more than $26,000. That's more than some people pay for a car, and you wouldn't think of not insuring your brand new car, would you? It just makes sense, then, to purchase a wedding insurance policy that will cover many of your wedding costs if you need to postpone or cancel the ceremony and reception. This type of wedding insurance is crucial especially if your cost of rescheduling the wedding will be very high.

Many couples overlook wedding insurance when planning a wedding because they don't believe they will need it. After all, there is nothing romantic or exciting about wedding insurance and what could possibly go wrong. If you were to ask couples who had their wedding and reception planned in New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina hit, what advice do you think they would give you. Now a hurricane is an extreme weather condition, but wedding insurance provides coverage for just such a weather event. Wedding insurance, however, will not cover postponement of your wedding due to a rainy day.

Once you've selected your vendors and submitted your deposits, you have made a serious investment. Wedding insurance protects your investment throughtout the planning process, and the event itself. Consider these events that are covered in your wedding insurance policy.

*the caterer or your reception venue closes down unexpectedly before your wedding
*your wedding photographs are damaged or lost
*a family or wedding party member is injured or becomes ill or dies
*lost or stolen wedding rings*
*your wedding attire (if your dress is damaged or fails to arrive)

Sorry kids, you're out of luck if either of you gets cold feet. Changing your mind at the last minute is not covered by wedding insurance.

Just like any other type of insurance, you can purchase wedding insurance in a number of different policies. When compared to the cost of the event itself, wedding insurance is relatively inexpensive and as important to your special day as your bridal gown, cake and flowers. Whether you are having a destination wedding or a large wedding in your home town it is a good idea to purchase insurance for your wedding and a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Should You Purchase Travel Insurance?

The determination of whether you should purchase travel insurance is a determination of whether you want to assume nothing bad can happen during your travels, or whether should something bad happen you can adequately resolve these unforeseen events.

None of us think something bad will happen. We assume incorrectly that fire, flood, earthquake and terrorism will happen to others. We assume we won't have a heart attack or stroke, we won't be felled by illness. We assume wrong.

The question, "should you purchase travel insurance" is perhaps answered by asking yourself why you purchased homeowners insurance, or medical insurance or life insurance. You purchased them so that your consistent small payments would assure you of having someone else provide help in case of a catastrophic event for which you are unprepared. Purchasing travel insurance, just like purchasing any other insurance, is not just about receiving the funds to recover. It's also about having the professional assistance of those who know what has to happen for you and your family to recover, and who do make that happen. It's about cooler heads prevailing.

Should you purchase travel insurance? Well, let's look at a few things that could, and do happen, to overseas and even domestic travelers. Then, you decide if you should purchase travel insurance.

You're from Minnesota. You've never been to the ocean. You book a hotel room in Florida for a week but you are then ordered to evacuate due to an expected hurricane. But you have non-refundable airline tickets, and your hotel and rental car are already paid for. How do you replace the airline tickets and get reimbursed for your stay? If you had known this was going to happen, what would your answer have been to the question, "Should you purchase travel insurance?"

You're on an island in the Caribbean, ready for your cruise back home. You find out that the cruise ship company has gone bankrupt and there will be no return cruise. What do you do? How do you get your money back? Most importantly, how do you get back home? If you had known this was going to happen, what would your answer have been to the question, "Should you purchase travel insurance?"

You're ready to take your family on a much-needed vacation to Hawaii. Your daughter is felled by an attack of appendicitis and must have immediate surgery. But your airline tickets are non-refundable. How do you get your money back? If you had known this was going to happen, what would your answer have been to the question, "Should you purchase travel insurance?"

Top 5 ways to save on car insurance

Car insurance is a type of cover that can be quite costly depending on your needs and circumstances, but this is a type of cover that is a legal requirement for drivers in the UK so no matter what the expense you have to get this cover if you wish to take your vehicle on the road. It is important to remember that there are ways and means of lowering your insurance premiums on car cover, however, so with a little thought and research you could save yourself a small fortune.

Below are some of the top ways in which you can save money on the cost of insurance cover:

1. Don't go for the first quote. Never assume that the first quote you get is going to be representative of all other quotes, as the cost of cover can vary widely from one provider to another. Make sure that you get at least three quotes from different providers before you make any decision – don’t feel tempted to rush into taking cover with the first insurance company that sends you details.

2. Remember that price comparison sites may not cover all providers. Many people have started to use price comparison sites to find their insurance cover, but you should bear in mind that these sites only cover a portion of the market and not all providers are on their databases. You should therefore be mindful that there may be a cheaper and more suitable policy available that is not on the price comparison site, so it may be worth checking individual providers to get your price down further.

3. Go for the most appropriate level of cover. If you have a new or expensive vehicle then you should opt for the top level of cover, which is fully comp. However, if you have an old car that has a low value then you can get away with taking out a lower level of cover, which will enable you to keep the cost of cover down whilst still fulfilling the legal requirement of having insurance.

4. Increase your excess. The amount of excess that you choose on your policy will make a difference to your premiums. If you choose to have a higher level of excess on your policy you can knock down your premiums significantly in some cases – just make sure that you do have enough money put aside to cover the excess in case you do need to make a claim.

5. Take the pass plus test if you have recently passed. New and younger drivers often find the cost of cover crippling. However, you can save a considerable amount on the cost of cover if you take the advances pass plus test after passing your standard test, with some insurers offering up to 35% off if you have passed this advanced course.

The Benefits Of Tornado Insurance

Homeowners and business owners often wonder what types of insurance coverage they have as it pertains to certain weather events. One particular weather event that often causes confusion with homeowners is tornado events.

Most, and the emphasis here is on most, policies will cover homeowners and business owners for what are called wind events. Tornados are covered under the wind event listing. The best way to know for certain if you are covered for this is to look at your policy.

It is very important for those individuals who live in what is commonly called tornado alley to review their policies. Tornado alley is that part of the US that runs north from Texas through Nebraska and northeast to Indiana. There are other areas of the country, especially in the South, that also experience tornados on a frequent basis. The reason residents of these areas want to ensure they are covered is because many insurance companies are beginning to deny certain coverage levels to high risk areas of the country. This reduction in coverage is relatively new, which also makes it important to review your coverage when you renew or change your policy.

Those who live in hurricane prone areas will also want to check on their coverage as it pertains to wind damage and tornados. A tornado does not have the usual storm surge or the wide spread flooding that is a part of most hurricanes. All of this can become a problem when hurricanes do happen and certain homes and business are damaged by wind while the rest of the area has been damaged by other effects of the hurricane.

If your home or business does suffer tornado damage it is important to get with your insurance agent as quickly as possible. There are some policies that have time limits on reporting damage. This varies from one state to another.

You should also know that when tornados happen, insurance companies will often prioritize claims. Those who have suffered total loss of their home or business will be serviced first, followed by those with less damage.

If possible, you want to document your damage. This can be done by taking photos of the home and property. It is also a good idea to have an inventory list of personal items that were either damaged or destroyed. You can submit this list for compensation. Whenever you speak with an insurance representative, make sure you jot down the name and the topic of the conversation in case you need to refer back to that conversation later. Also, if you have to stay in a motel or hotel, keep all of your receipts, including those for meals.

It is unfortunate but true that predators often show up after a natural disaster. These people often come in as a construction or repair companies. It is important that you do not sign any home repair contracts until you have had a chance to look into the company that is offering to do the work. Many homeowners and business owners have lost a lot of money to fraud during natural disaster events.

Social Security Disability Insurance Requirements and an Attorney’s Worth

In the United States, any disabled person is eligible to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI. This federal program aims to provide financial support to those workers who can no longer perform their jobs and sustain their daily necessities.

Requirements

In applying for disability insurance with the Social Security Administration, the applicants are required to bring the following documents to their initial interviews:

• Social Security Number

• Original copy of birth certificate or any valid document that will prove the applicant’s age

• Names, addresses and contact information of healthcare professionals, hospitals and clinics that rendered their medical services to the applicant, as well as the dates the treatment or rehabilitation took place

• List of jobs and companies done in the past

• Latest copy of the applicant’s W-2 form or federal tax returns if the applicant happen to be self-employed

Note: The SSA is willing to help the applicants to obtain these documents to complete the needed information

Aside form these documents, an applicant must have also met the required number of work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. The required credits will depend on the age when he began working. Further information regarding this may be seen on the SSA’s website at www.ssa.gov.

How does the SSA Determines Disability

After the applicants submitted their SSDI applications, an evaluation team from the State’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) office will assess their cases. This group of individuals is consisted of a health care specialist and an expert disability evaluator.

The following conditions will be used in determining an applicant’s disability:

• A person’s disability must hinder him from exercising “substantial gainful activities.”

• Impairments included on the approved list of illnesses will be processed directly. Those that are not will still have to be determined based on its severity.

• The applicant’s disability must affect his capability to perform similar jobs that he or she had for the last fifteen years.

• An applicant who receives a monthly income of $500 or above is more likely be denied.

Problems in Applying for Benefits

More often than not, most applicants will receive case denial notice from the SSA on their initial filing. These troubles are usually caused by the applicants’ improper way of filing his petition or their failure to meet the terms set by the SSA. Thus, most of them were not able to convince the Social Security adjuster who decides on their applications.

To resolve these issues, all applicants who are not that sure about the proper filing are encouraged to appoint their Social Security Disability Insurance attorneys. These legal professionals have their capacity to handle any benefits applications until it gain approval from the SSA.

To add, experienced representatives can detach the disabled workers from further stress and burden in pursuing their claims.

Purchasing Insurance For Travel Tours Abroad

To purchase or not to purchase travel insurance, that is the question. If you have done some research or talked to a travel agent, you might have been told that insurance is absolutely necessary. After all, you have put a lot of money into airfare and booking your hotel. But does that mean you need to spend more on insurance?

Travel insurance was created to make sure your money is refunded should something go wrong at the last second. This includes many circumstances that would prevent you from traveling, like illness or a flight being canceled due to inclimate weather. If your plans are put on hold, at least you will get your money back. But there are ways this insurance can help you while you are on vacation as well.

When taking travel tours abroad, check and see if your normal health insurance will cover you in a foreign country. Often, plans either do not cover you, or are just not accepted abroad. Should this be the case for you, then invest in travel insurance. This way, you are sure to be covered if you need medical attention while on vacation.

Unfortunately, travelers these days need to be aware of terrorism when they travel abroad. Should terrorist activity occur where you are about to vacation, your airline is not necessarily required to refund the cost of your ticket. However, if you have travel insurance, you will be covered.

Flight cancellation is another eventuality covered by travel insurance. Any number of things could prevent you from leaving the ground. You might have scheduled your vacation during the worst snow storm in twenty years, or maybe you airline just goes out of business. Travel insurance protects the money you have invested in your ticket. Perhaps circumstances in your life prevent you from taking advantage of vacation deals. Should somebody in your family die or become ill, you can cancel your plans without penalty. Whatever may happen to prevent you from leaving, you are covered.

If you loose your luggage, you will also be covered by travel insurance. Usually, the baggage is returned by the airline; though, sometimes, it is simply misplaced and never found. Or, your luggage might be returned with items missing. Travel insurance gives you the money to replace anything that can’t be found so you can enjoy your trip as planned.

When deciding on a specific insurance company, it is a good idea to research your options before choosing. Different plans work best for specific vacations. Perhaps you are not buying a plane ticket, but taking a cruise. If you travel often for business or pleasure, you can even purchase a policy that covers you for extended periods of time. These plans save you the hassle of buying a policy for each individual trip. Ask questions before you make a final decision to be sure that you are getting all the coverage you need. You wouldn’t want to insure yourself, only to find that your particular vacation disaster is not covered under your policy.

Protect Your Lifestyle With Income Protection Insurance

Income protection insurance can be a valuable product if you have mortgage repayments or credit card or loan repayments to meet each month. No one knows what is around the corner and if you should become unemployed or have an accident or illness then you could be left struggling. If you can get back to work very quickly then savings could get you by; however, if you should need months away from work to get back on your feet then savings would soon run dry.

A far better solution that does not have to be expensive is taking out an insurance policy that covers your income. There has been much bad publicity surrounding payment protection products, of which income protection is one. However, if you stick with a specialist in protection insurances you can be sure that you will be offered a quality product. You can also make good use of the information that an independent specialist will make available on their website. But by far the biggest benefit of going with an independent provider is the low premiums that are charged for cover, which will be based on your age and the amount of your income you wish to cover. A specialist will allow you to insure up to a certain amount of your monthly income.

Income cover would usually begin to pay out tax-free amounts from between day 30 to 90 of being classed as unfit for work or unemployed. The exact cover start day is stated in the terms and conditions of the policy, as is the length of time that the policy will protect you. This can be anything between 12 and 24 months, depending on the individual provider. While in the majority of cases this would be enough time to recover and start earning again, occasionally the policy ends before the policy holder returns to work and this has to be considered.

You also have to be aware that there are certain terms and conditions that could mean income protection would be useless. Exclusions have to be checked thoroughly. Some are common to the majority of polices, while others are included by specific providers, so you have to compare individual terms and conditions that come with quotes when shopping around for the cheapest policy. Working on a part-time basis, working for yourself, being retired or suffering from a pre-existing illness could all stop a policy being suitable. However, exclusions are not clear cut. Those who suffer from a pre-existing condition could be eligible to take out cover if the illness has not occurred within two years. Self-employed individuals who have to stop trading on a permanent basis through involuntary reasons could also benefit.

A specialist provider will give the information in plain English so you can make an informed decision before tying yourself down to something that is not suitable. Income protection insurance can give peace of mind and the financial security of being able to concentrate on getting better or finding a new job, but you do have to buy cover with consideration.

Property And Casualty Insurance Trends

Recent world events have instilled a sense of fear in anyone who turns on the television or opens a newspaper. People are more aware of their vulnerabilities, and more interested in purchasing insurance. The irony is that the same disasters, disease and acts of war have created a negative trend in the property and casualty insurance industry, to the point where these types of insurance are more expensive and more difficult for consumers to obtain.

The property and casualty insurance industry posted a $7.9 billion net loss in 2001. According to the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and the National Association of Independent Insurers (NAII), this is first time that the industry has ever reported a net loss. Experts predicted a negative 2.7 percent return rate for property and casualty insurance, almost 6.5 percent lower than the return rate of the year 2000.

These losses have caused a number of property and casualty insurance companies to cut back in an effort to economize. One step taken to reduce losses was to avoid adding any new property and casualty insurance policies. The insurers have also purposefully stopped updating or renewing existing property and casualty insurance policies. As a result, the premium price of property and casualty insurance policies has increased.

A number of factors are said to have caused the property and casualty insurance problem, including acts of terrorism, natural disasters, economic turmoil, and even mold.

The headline of one trial lawyer publication, "Mold is Gold", indicated that recent court decisions against insurers had jeopardized profitability of the property and casualty insurance industry. Invasive mold was recognized as the latest household hazard, and property and casualty insurance policyholders were cashing in with lucrative lawsuits. A well-publicized Texas lawsuit resulted in a staggering $32.1 million decision -- extremely profitable for the owner, potentially devastating for the property and casualty insurance industry.

The terrorist attacks of September 11 greatly contributed to the negative impact on the property and casualty insurance industry. It has been reported that property and casualty insurance claims related to the events of September 11 totaled as much as $70 billion. The same event has also caused the decline of the stock market, adding to the insurance industry’s downward trend.

This negative impact has also had a detrimental effect on the real estate industry, where property and casualty insurance is essential. Property and casualty insurance coverage is essential when applying for a conventional, government-assisted and commercial mortgage; without it, lending companies will reject the mortgage application. Therefore, the real estate market cannot function properly if this type of insurance is more expensive or less accessible. In real estate, mortgages are paramount in closing the vast majority of sales. Without property and casualty insurance, there won’t be any mortgages, and sales in the real estate market will plummet. Moreover, without property and casualty insurance coverage, homeowners would find it difficult or impossible to maintain their mortgage obligations. Lenders would be forced to foreclose on the property, or subject the homeowners to expensive lender forced-place coverage.

No one can contest the devastating personal consequences of natural disasters, acts of terrorism and disease. The insurance and real estate industries are two examples of how these events have had a negative impact on our economy as well.

Pet Insurance - Pros and Cons

The deep emotional bond we share with our dogs and cats is one of life’s most simple pleasures.

In return for unconditional love, many pet owners do everything they can to ensure our pets have long, productive, and healthy lives.

Veterinary science has kept up with our willingness to provide life long quality healthcare for our special friends. Treatments and diagnostic procedures once unheard of in the veterinary world are now commonplace: MRIs, radiation therapy, and specialized screenings, to name but a few.

Veterinary Care Inflation and the Effect on Your Wallet

Much like the human health care sector, medical care breakthroughs result in higher costs for vets and pet owners alike. Conservatively, veterinary costs have risen over 60% in the past five years, per the American Kennel Club. Conditions that normally went undiagnosed and untreated are now becoming routine.

While veterinary medical advances extend our pet’s quality of life, the financial impact for pet owners cannot be overlooked.

Recently, our neighbor’s German Shephard “Duke” suffered from hip dysplacia. Duke is now happily on the mend, but not until his owners paid over $2000 in vet bills. Another friend’s cat “Missy” developed a stubborn kidney infection at 18 months which required extensive diagnostic and follow up treatment. Our friend was amazed at Missy’s vets proficiency, but the $1400+ in costs left our friend juggling her finances to pay the vet bills.

What is Pet Insurance, and Does it Make Sense For You?

Pet insurance has been around for decades in Europe, but is relatively uncommon in the United States and Canada. Much like health insurance for us, pet insurance drastically reduces the risk of caring for your pet. Perhaps most importantly, it can eliminate the heart wrenching decision of euthanizing your pet vs. incurring a large financial hardship.

There are several different pet insurance companies. Some policies pay for all types of veterinary care. Others pay only for accidents and illnesses. Some will cover your pet regardless of age, while certain plans have numerous deductibles and restrictions.

Anyone considering pet insurance should ask themselves this question: “Will I devote a reasonable amount of time and money to treat and heal my pet?”. If your answer is “yes”, you’re a good candidate for pet insurance. Sadly, many pet owners are forced to choose between finances and their pet’s health. Worse, other pet owners view their pets as disposable, and simply won’t treat the animal if it becomes too ill.

Typical Plans and Costs

Most pet insurance plans offer coverage for as low as $10 per month. Typically, there is a $50 deductible, and an annual cap of about $10,000. Pet insurance plans for senior pets (normally 8 years and older) will run a bit more, normally $29.95 per month. Costs for cats and dogs generally run the same.

Remember, pet insurance is designed to help you and your pet through significant illnesses and injuries. It’s easy to budget for routine expenses like annual check-ups, shots, flea preventative, etc. Some pet insurance plans offer discounts on routine care, but be prepared to use a contracted (network) veterinarian, similar to a PPO/HMO set up for humans.

Two Real Life Financial Examples

A business associate told us of his two beloved pets, 6 year old cat “Whiskers” and his 12 year old border collie mix “Diamond”. Whiskers was diagnosed with an ongoing respiratory ailment, and just a few months later, Diamond was found to have a malignant tumor and needed immediate treatment. Luckily, he had taken out pet insurance on both pets just weeks before Whiskers’ visit to the vet. With coverage through Instant Pet Insurance, he was paying $9.95/mo. for Whiskers and $29.95/mo. for Diamond, less a small multi-pet discount. All told, Whiskers veterinary bills totaled $1330, and Diamond racked up an $1100 tab.

Fortunately, he was reimbursed $1280 for Whiskers, and $900 for Diamond, accounting for a normal $50 deductible for an adult cat and a $200 senior dog deductible. Therefore, instead of an unplanned $2430 veterinary expense, his total cost was only $250.

Do Your Homework

There are several pet insurers in the marketplace, so do your homework and make sure your policy is right for your pet. If you feel comfortable budgeting for routine annual costs like check-ups, immunizations, flea preventative, etc. there’s no need to pay for routine coverage.

Our experience as pet owners and animal lovers has shown us that most pets will require some form of unexpected medical treatment in their lifetimes. If it’s important to you as a pet owner to be prepared, consider taking out a pet insurance policy. Here are some special factors to look for when taking out a pet insurance policy:

1. Guaranteed Acceptance, no matter the age of your pet.

2. The ability to use the veterinarian of your choosing.

3. Fixed Premiums and Deductibles. Make sure your premium doesn’t increase along with the age of your pet.

4. Unlimited Accident Coverage

5. Comprehensive Coverage of Veterinary Services – some pet insurers exclude common hereditary conditions for certain breeds.

6. State Licensing – Make sure your pet insurer is licensed.

Motorbike Insurance Needed By Riders

Motorbike insurance provides need protection to expensive bikes or bike riders. Although some of the coverage and costs of motorbike insurance are similar to other auto plans, there are also some unique differences that affect the benefits and costs of motorbike insurance.

Motorbike insurance covers bikes, users, or both. Some riders are more concerned with bike protection when they ride expensive or high-end bikes. Others that ride frequently or in more dangerous environments needed adequate rider coverage to cover the costs of personal injury resulting from an accident. Legal protection is also important to help prevent overwhelming costs from liability or lawsuits when the rider is at fault in a multiple person accident.

The types of coverage a rider needs are the most important consideration in selecting a motorbike insurance specialist and the appropriate plan. Another factor that has a significant impact on premium costs is the level of use of the rider. Riders that ride infrequently or casually would not be as risky to the insurer as riders who use their bike for all transportation needs. Riders who ride for sport would have other unique needs. Other traits of the rider, including age and riding history, also impact the insurance risk and cost.

Along with the characteristics of the rider, features of the motorbike also impact coverage requirements and premiums. Bikes with certain types of engines pose more of a risk of accident or injury than others. Engines are rated based on their power, performance, and potential for accidents.

In spite of the fact that many costs of insurance coverage are out of the insured’s control, including needed protection and individual rider characteristics, there are some ways to reduce costs. Paying premiums annually offers many benefits to insurers, which leads to them to offer discounts or better rates, as opposed to monthly payment plans. Combining motorbike insurance with other insurance plans, if available through the service provider, can also lead to combination discounts.

Ultimately, the right protection plan depends on the rider and motorbike. A specialist motorbike insurance company is a great resource in finding the appropriate coverage solution. A good company has the same objectives as the customer, to find the best benefits to meet the customer’s needs, and at the most affordable costs. By asking the right questions and providing detailed information, insurance specialists can help ensure customers get the protection they need.

Motorbike insurance is not necessarily the primary concern of a cyclist, nor should it be. Proper coverage should provide security and comfort to help make the riding experience more fun and less stressful. No rider wants to be in an accident and suffer the pain of injure or see damage to their bike. Having good insurance coverage that offers effective benefits, good claims and support service, and reasonable premium costs helps buffer the impact of an already troubling situation. A specialty motorbike insurance provider understands the customer’s feelings and helps them to avoid the unwanted and emotionally draining situation that results from poor insurance.

Loan Protection Insurance Will Become More Transparent

Loan protection insurance has seen many problems, which has led the Financial Services Authority to set out recommendations to improve communication and selling in the sector. Some changes have already been put in place as a result of the recommendations and more are in the pipeline, with the forthcoming introduction of comparison tables in March this year.

It is thought that with the introduction of the tables protection policies will become more transparent, and so consumers will be less confused and less likely to buy an unsuitable policy. Currently consumers often misunderstand payment protection products and don’t know exactly what their policy will deliver. For example, many do not realise there are exclusions in a policy that can stop them from being eligible to claim. However, the tables will highlight the exclusions, make the consumer aware of how much the cover will cost and, through question and answers, allow them to choose a suitable policy.

For now the best way to take out cover is to go to an independent specialist for your quote. A specialist will offer a quality policy along with information regarding the exclusions and other vital facts about the policy you are considering taking out. It is vital that the exclusions are taken into account and read with great care. General exclusions include suffering from an ongoing illness, being of retirement age or only working in a part-time position. However, sometimes the exclusions may not apply – for instance, providing you have not suffered from the illness within the past two years then you could still benefit from taking out cover. The provider may include other exclusions so you have to check the terms and conditions of each individual quote.

The quotes an independent provider can give could save you up to 80% on the cost of a policy in comparison to the high street lenders. The cover taken out will also be a quality product that is backed up by experience in selling payment protection. Generally loan cover will start to provide a tax-free income from one to three months of being unable to work. You have to continually be unable to attend work with no break in between. Once you have started to receive the benefit it would carry on, providing you with peace of mind for between 12 to 24 months, depending on the policy terms. In the majority of cases this is enough time to recover from your illness or accident or to find work.

Loan protection insurance has received a bad name since the Office of Fair Trading revealed that policies had been mis-sold. Faith in all payment protection products was lost and there was a decline in policies sold. However, without a back-up plan to fall back on if you should lose your income, added stress can delay your recovery and make the job hunt more pressured, and you may end up with a bad credit rating that affects your future financial options. Loan protection can work well, providing the policy suits your circumstances. It is important to realise that the product is not faulty; it is those lenders selling policies despite having little or no experience in the sector that create problems.

How To Secure Cheap Car Insurance

There is definitely a need to have a new car insurance if you have just acquired a new vehicle. A car insurance is somehow more of a protection if ever the vehicle would be involved in several troubles in the future.

At the same time, you also should strive to find and secure a cheap car insurance policy. As you all know, paying premiums for new auto insurance policies is the usual source of problems regarding the car insurance industry nowadays. Many policy holders are finding it hard to cover for the costs of the new auto insurance they subscribe to.

It has always been a challenge to find and secure a cheap car insurance nowadays. The market is saturated with numerous firms providing financial protection, but alas, not too many are offering comprehensive programs at very reasonable costs.

However, experts give hope to car buyers and policy seekers by assuring that given proper procedure and initiatives, the effort to secure cheap car insurance is not impossible.

Here are some of the most practical tips any car buyer could observe.

1.You could secure a cheap car insurance by getting into a multi-policy with your current provider. For sure, you have a coverage for your health, your home or your life policy.

In your quest to find and buy cheap car insurance, always remember that you could realize a great and significant amount of discounts if you would buy a new policy from the same provider that provides you with your other policies.

It would be more advisable if you would inquire about any new car insurance offerings from your trusted firm as soon as possible.

2. Do a comparison shopping when finding for a cheap car insurance. As mentioned, there are numerous companies and policies available in the market.

By getting quotes from four or more policy providers, you could easily compare prices and premiums and at the same time determine which program offers the most reasonable, practical and comprehensive coverage according to your needs.

3. To be able to secure cheap car insurance in the future, it would be advisable if you would maintain a clean and good driving history. Do not speed drive or do any traffic or driving violation.

If you do, be aware that all your over speeding records are accumulated and compiled are being held as a reference to look at when evaluating your application for a cheap car insurance policy.

4. Solicit and consider recommendations and suggestions from peers and experts. You can always ask friends and other people who are more familiar to such services about any recommendations regarding the search and purchase of cheap car insurance.

5. As you finally buy a new policy, always intend to keep your responsibility. Aim to finalize and finish the buying transaction for the cheap auto insurance program. As always, as you buy a policy for your new car, be vigilant and extra careful in your choices and decisions.

How to Root Out Affordable Health Insurance

Do these words really fit together: affordable health insurance? Most people don't think so anymore. Not so long ago, monthly mortgage payments used to exceed health insurance premium payments. No longer. Some people who have conditions such as asthma or diabetes (or even a family history of a particular disease) have to pay more each month for their health insurance than their car and house payments combined.

When you are looking for affordable health insurance, it can be an extremely exasperating eye-opener. You might be thinking that you can't afford the same full coverage that you once received from your employer (past or present.)

Affordable health insurance (not "cheap"), however, is definitely available... if you know how and where to look.

When you are looking for affordable health insurance, you want the lowest cost per year that will fit your budget, of course. Although, what is even more important than price is the company's record for paying. Do they make it easy or hard to get your money. After all what good is insurance if they won't pay you when you need it. Take any budget and you can find a great car. Take any budget and you can find a great affordable health insurance. Of course, you probably won't be able to afford the BMW policy (otherwise you would never have searched for "affordable" in the first place, right?) but you can find a "no frills" policy.

Ten years ago, shopping for affordable health insurance was aggravating and time consuming. No more when you use the internet!

1. To submit claims to your insurance company, you no longer need a local agent. In this day and age, you save money because the health insurance company doesn't have to pay an agent a commission. That means you can save up to 12%. Why? Because your medical provider submits your claims for you... no middle man!

2. Want thorough information about all of the insurance companies that you are considering? Just jump on Google or Yahoo and within seconds you'll have it. Since local agents can only represent a few insurance companies, generally they point you to the best health insurance product for your health and financial needs (unless their product is actually the best.)

3. Because it's really easy now for potential customers to discover what all companies are charging for their policies, health insurance companies try much harder to remain competitive. In the past you would have had to physically visit eight to ten agents to do a similar comparison. Most folks just didn't have the time or desire for that.

4. You can save hours upon hours whenever you need to change your payment options, deductibles and coverage. Just hop online and fill out some forms rather than mailing it all to your local agent who often made mistakes since it wasn't as importat to them as it is to you. Whew! What timesaver.

5. Got a credit card? Now you don't have to mail a check every single month. All you have to do is set up the "auto-pay" feature with your insurance company. No more forgetting to mail a payment on time. Want a discount? Need more time to pay? Well, most insurance companies will give you a discount when you set up the "auto-pay" and your credit card company won't require you to pay for it for at least 30 days.

If you could uncover only one secret to finding affordable health insurance, make it this: the purpose of health insurance is to protect you and your family from a major financial loss. It's purpose is not to save you money on a monthly basis for doctor's visits to have a cut bandaged or for sore throat lozenges. Of course, these small expenses might be annoying but, for the most part, they will not significantly hurt you financially. It's the $200,000 kidney transplant that will ruin you and send you into bankruptcy or much worse. These are the financially disasterous situations that health insurance prevents.

Keep in mind that for you, as in gambling, insurance is a hedge bet. You are gambling that you will draw out more than you pay in. It's not a bad way to look at it. This may seem to be how things work but it's not entirely correct.

I always hear people compare casinos and insurance companies so let's use that as an example. As many people believe, they believe that when they place a bet, they are betting on one team and the casino is betting on the other. This is not true. But what actually happens is this: they are betting against people that placed bets for the other team. The casino simply sets the lines to balance the action on both sides and collect a small fee called "the vig".

Much the same, the insurance company is not betting against you when you purchase insurance. Here's what really happens: using actuality tables, the insurance company determines the average cost per person by taking the average cost of a large group of similar people. Next, they charge everyone in the group the same price with the knowledge that they will pay less money to some in the group and more money to others but averaging the same amount of money to each person over time. Then they simply tack on their fee (like the casino's vig) for paying everyone when the money is needed for health situations. For the most part, you are betting that you are going to need more money for your health care than the average person in the group will need. This is what the insurance industry calls the "law of large numbers" and is what really makes affordable health insurance possible.

Most importantly, "affordable" and "cheap" are not synonyms. They do not mean the same thing. A Toyota Camry is "affordable". A Yugo is "cheap". There is some truth to the old saying that "You get what you pay for" but it is also important to understand that just because your friend spent $30,000 more for his Lexus than you did for your Toyota that he got $30,000 more car. Actually, the more and more you spend, the less and less you get for your money. Health insurance is very similar.

The opposite is also true though. One can get from point A to point B by driving a Yugo but not reliably. If your car breaks down a lot, should you rely on it to get you to work? You could get fired for being late or not showing up, right? If you need to get to a really important sales meeting... would you show up in a Yugo? What about this... would you buy something from someone driving a beat up Yugo? I know I wouldn't! I'm not a snob but I don't want to lose money by being cheap!

With that in mind, you should check the ratings companies such as AM Best (ambest.com) and Standard & Poors (standardandpoors.com) and, in my opinion, select a company with a rating of A or higher. More often that not, the least expensive policy from a highly rated company is much better than the most expensive policy from a lower rated company. In almost every case, the better company is the better way to go even if it costs a little more. It would suck to need the money and have nothing but trouble trying to get it from your insurance company let alone getting it quick, wouldn't it?

To wrap up, finding affordable health insurance is not nearly as difficult as most people think it is... not nearly that difficult.

If you need affordable health insurance, understand that by simply agreeing to higher deductibles, spending time researching online and comparing 8-10 differnet plans is the simplest method.

How To Protect Your Business And Reduce Insurance Costs

No matter how large your organization security needs to be taken very seriously, a good quality security system can not only prevent an unauthorized act but can also help to reduce insurance payments and protect the workforce. Even if you run a small business it is possible to install and monitor security cameras at a very reasonable price. Many small businesses are now turning to the wireless camera networks for monitoring the inside and outside of the premises. Since new Wireless technology has evolved over the years and has become more accessible and cheaper for everyone. It is now possible to have a state of the art complete monitoring system in place and running within 10 minutes.

What do you need to have a good installation that will protect you? The first and most important part will be the actual cameras, you can get small cameras that will send crystal clear footage to the camera receiver, if you do not want to buy an external viewing monitor then it is possible to display everything on a standard television. Installation could not be more simple, mounting the cameras is a very simple process and can involve as little as two screws, plug it into the standard mains output and the job is near done. All that then remains is to plug the video receiver into the television output and the system is installed. This eliminates any unwanted cabling and the expense involved in running it, the cameras are so good that they can even transmit through doors, floors, ceilings and walls. The cameras can be very small as well which can be useful if you need to monitor staff or if you are monitoring open access areas. The camera systems can even be more sophisticated and offer the ability to have motion detection and infra red should this be needed.

There are so many benefits to having security cameras for small business installed of which some are the theft prevention aspects, insurance benefits, peace or mind and the simplicity of installation. Any small business can benefit from an installation from Restaurants, small shops, professional offices and small warehouses. In terms of the business impact of having security cameras installed this can range from avoiding law suites, ensuring customer and employee safety, preventing theft, evaluating the staffs performance and monitoring the building while you are away. There are so many uses and cases for having a system installed that it could potentially be saving you money and time in the long run. As sated earlier in the article with the simplicity of the monitoring systems and the ease of use virtually every small business should be able to budget for a good quality low cost security system to install in their premises. Whether you choose to install a wireless one or a wired solution, cheap or expensive, the options will be able to provide you with the added security that is need when running a small business and help to prevent loss and safe money.

How To Find the RIGHT Health Insurance Policy

If you want to spark a lively debate at your next dinner party or social gathering, just try bringing up the subject of health insurance. You will undoubtedly set off a firestorm of opinions. Years ago, acquiring your first health coverage was almost a right of passage. You began your career and you were automatically enrolled in your employers health plan after your first 90 days of employment.

That still takes place today but the health care sector has grown into a huge industry with ever increasing resources and costs to meet demand and advances in medical technology and care. This results in Policy rates increasing at an astounding pace with the result that more employers are cutting back on their plans or doing away with their health benefit packages entirely.

Naturally, this article cannot hope to tell you everything you ever wanted to know about health insurance. When it comes to health insurance there is no “one size fits all.” However, what it does is to provide you with a general understanding and enough knowledge to grasp the basics and know how to research the market to find a health plan more appropriate to your own circumstances and budget.

The most important tool you can have when looking for good health insurance is knowledge. So, before you can make any informed decisions about what type of plan is appropriate for you, we must first grasp an understanding of the complex nature of health insurance. What is it and what kind of policies are out there.

Health insurance can be defined as a legal contract between two or more parties that promises certain performance in exchange for considerations. A health insurance policy is considered a unilateral contract. This is because only one party (the insurer) is required to fulfil their obligation. While a policy owner may decide to terminate premium payments, as long as the payments are paid the insurer must meet their responsibility under the contract.

A health insurance policy can provide just one or any combination of certain benefits:

- Hospital, medical and surgical expenses resulting from sickness or an accident
- Accidental death or dismemberment
- Disability resulting from accident or sickness (sometimes this can also be referred to as “loss of income” or “loss of time”

Without stating the obvious, an accident is an injury that occurs accidentally. A sickness is an illness or disease that is not the result of an accident. Knowing the difference is important because policies may have different provisions that apply to accidents or sickness. Also, there are some companies that sell a separate accident policy that does not include sickness. The terms accident and sickness are widely used and often interchangeable in any discussion of health insurance. They are often abbreviated as A&H and A&S. Note that health insurance can also be referred to as medical insurance, especially in Europe.

As we discussed above, health insurance is designed to protect again two types of economic loss. Loss of income and expenses for medical care which places them in either of two broad policy categories:

- Disability income policies
- Medical expense policies

Disability income policies can also be referred to as loss of income, loss of time or replacement income. This type of policy will pay benefits to an insured who is disabled and can no longer work to earn a regular income. Payments can be weekly or monthly depending on the policy.

Medical expense policies are represented by a wide range of coverage from very minimal to comprehensive packages with multiple coverage. Some include both accidents and illnesses, various hospital expenses and other costs pertaining to medical care such as:

- Accident and sickness policies
- Hospital policies
- Basic medical expense policies
- Major medical expense policies
- Comprehensive medical expense policies

Any of these policies might cover various combinations of the above and may be paid in a lump sum. With Accident Policies, some cover only accidents and not illness. As you might imagine, policies like this are very specific about what is considered an accident.

It is important to understand what is defined as an accident as it pertains to the health insurance industry. . .an accident is an event that is unforeseen and unintended. Keep in mind that any discussion of this type of policy also applies to any type of policy that includes accidental coverage not just accident specific policies. Accident benefits are most commonly paid for accidental loss of life (also called accidental death), accidental loss of limb or sigh (dismemberment), loss of time and/or income, hospital expenses, surgical expenses, and medical expenses like visits to the doctor.

Let’s expand a bit on dismemberment. As we said, this would be loss of limb or sight, however, different states have statutes that define dismemberment and they can vary from state to state. This is a subject that you need to discuss with your insurance agent to determine what actually constitutes dismemberment in your state.

Accidental Death Benefit can also be referred to as “principal sum.” This type of coverage should not be confused with life insurance. There is a world of difference between the two. Life insurance policies will generally apply regardless of the cause of death. An accidental benefit is paid ONLY if the death is accidental as opposed to a death by natural causes or illness. The person who received the death benefit is called the beneficiary. The policy owner has the right and responsibility of naming beneficiaries. Usually there is a primary beneficiary however he/she can assign a second and even a third beneficiary.

The primary beneficiary is the first person in line to receive the benefit in the event of the death of the policy holder. They can also name a second beneficiary who would receive the benefit in the event the primary beneficiary dies before the insured. Some policies can include a third beneficiary who would be in line after the first two.

There is much more to be learned about accidental death policies, but I would like to mention one important element before I move on. An accidental death may not be instant. A person can die as a result of an accidental injury months after the accident occurrence. Read the policy carefully because most stipulate that the accidental death benefit will only be paid if death occurs within three months of the accident.

Hopefully this has given you an overview on what health insurance is and the types of policies available.

Does Your Insurance Cover Flooding?

Considering the climate is ever changing and the majority of the UK has in recent weeks (June 2007) been suffering from unusual weather and in particular rain and storms, it is now more essential and more important than ever that you know whether or not you are covered by your policy for events such as flooding.

Just recently many people have found that they didn’t have the valuable cover needed, while others were lucky and did, when torrential rains hit the UK and homes were flooded and possessions ruined. This one occurrence is thought to bring around 1,200 claims on insurance for the ones that were lucky enough to have cover.

However a sad fact is that while many people do have insurance for their homes and believe that they are totally covered, a staggering 257,000 of all claims against policies are turned down every year simply because the home owner hasn’t taken out the right policy or they didn’t bother to look at what the policy did and did not cover and have found that they aren’t covered when it comes to making a claim.

One of the biggest reasons why adequate cover isn’t taken is due to the fact that the majority of people simply take the cheapest policy they find while not looking at what the policy entails. While of course everyone wants the cheapest premium, it is also essential that you have the right amount of cover for your needs, while savings are essential on your premium in the long run cheapest isn’t always the best.

When considering your home insurance the number one thing to make sure of is that you have all the cover you need. Using a specialist broker for your home insurance is the easiest way of keeping the cost down and you are able to quickly and easily make comparisons for the same coverage from the information provided by them.

Always remember when comparing policies that they all have hidden exclusions within them and it is essential that you check these out, while one policy might offer the cheapest premiums, it might not include the same cover that a more expensive policy might and as such will cost you more in the long run if you have to pay out for added extras.

Do You Have Enough Jewelry Insurance?

Jewelry insurance comes in many forms and varieties and only an insurance agent can provide accurate and specific advice. However, it helps to know enough about jewelry insurance to ask your agent the right questions and to be aware of how the process works. The time to ask your insurance agent the questions is before you insure an item, not when you need to file a claim. Read the fine print in your insurance contract to be sure it provides the coverage you expect.

Understanding jewelry insurance begins with recognizing the difference between scheduled and unscheduled property.

Unscheduled property (jewelry not specifically listed) is typically included in basic homeowner or renter’s policies under blanket coverage. There is a usually a deductible (typically $500) and a maximum amount of coverage (typically $1500) although these amounts can vary with the specific policy. This type of coverage does not require an appraisal but sales receipts, written descriptions or photos are beneficial in proving the items existed and estimating their replacement value.

Scheduled property (jewelry specifically listed) is included in a floater, rider or endorsement to homeowner or renter’s policies. Jewelry insurance is also available with a separate policy, from a company specializing in jewelry insurance. For scheduled property, the insurance appraisal is vital because it describes the jewelry item and provides the “insured value” that is used in determining the premium you will pay to insure the item each year. Most scheduled property policies do not have an automatic appreciation adjustment as is common for the house and other unscheduled property. Therefore, even if it might cost 50% more to replace an item in five years, the “insured value” is still only that stated in the appraisal.

If you file an insurance claim, the settlement process and amount paid will depend on the policy and in particular, if the policy allows replacement or agreed value settlement. For agreed value policies, the settlement amount is stated in the policy whereas replacement value allows the insurance company to replace your jewelry or make a cash settlement based on the insurance company’s cost to replace your item. The insurance company’s liability ceiling is set at the “insured value” on the appraisal.

Do you have enough jewelry insurance? The answer depends on what kind of policy you have, the “insured value” is on the appraisal, the settlement procedure is for your particular policy, and the accuracy of the information on your appraisal. If you have a jewelry item valued at more than the $1500, you should definitely consider scheduled as opposed to unscheduled coverage.

The critical issue for scheduled property coverage is the how accurate is the information on the appraisal.

1) If the information on the appraisal is vague and general, the insurance company can replace the item with an item that satisfies the description but perhaps is not the quality and true value of the lost item. Be sure your jewelry appraisal has a detailed and accurate description of the jewelry item.

2) If the appraisal value is artificially high, the insurance company can replace the item at their cost even though the client paid premiums for years on a value twice as much. This is often the case for purchases from a jewelry store with prices double other retailers and the store provides an insurance appraisal even higher than the purchase price. You do not need an appraised value more than 150% of the price you would pay at low priced online retailer.

3) If the appraisal value is too low, the insurance company can make cash settlement that might not cover the current replacement cost of the item. This could be the case for items purchased three or four years ago from a low price online retailer and the appraised value was at or below the purchase price. With diamond prices increasing about 10% a year recently, it does not take long for appraisal values to be out of date if too close to online retail purchase prices. Be sure to have your jewelry insurance appraisal updated every four or five years so you do not end up underinsured.

Avoiding PMI - Private Mortgage Insurance

PMI - a recurring, monthly, unwelcome guest. It sounds similar to and is about as welcomed as a similar acronym. PMI is private mortgage insurance. This insurance policy is paid for by the homebuyer when the amount of their primary mortgage is greater than 80% of the value of the property.

You will note that the term "primary mortgage" was used. This is for a specific reason. It is not the total of all mortgages and home loans on the property that is evaluated, but rather the amount of the primary or largest mortgage on the property that can trigger PMI.

PMI is calculated by taking 0.5% of your primary loan balance and dividing it by 12 (12 monthly payments). For example, if your primary mortgage is $200,000 and you are required to pay PMI, your mortgage payments would be an additional $83.34 per month. For most homebuyers, this additional premium is a considerable financial burden to undertake.

There are ways around PMI for those homebuyers unable to put down 20% or more on their new home. Mortgage lenders have created loan packages which include two or more home loans that when combined exceed the 80% threshold, while no one of the loans exceed that threshold. Typically there is a primary mortgage and either one or two home equity loans taken out simultaneously which are 81% - 100% (or sometimes more) of the home value. This affords the homebuyer to put less than 20% down, or perhaps put nothing down at all while at the same time eliminating the need to pay PMI.

If you know you are going to be putting less than 20% down on the purchase of your home you should immediately speak to your home lender about avoiding PMI. A good home lender will inform you about these types of packages. Though the rules on these packages may differ from state to state, the vast majority of states allow for these types of loan packages.

When you review this type of package you will note that there will invariably be a different interest rate on the mortgage than there is on the home equity loan(s). The mortgage rate may have a slightly lower interest rate or perhaps even a considerably lower interest rate. You should be able to calculate what the monthly payments would be for the combined loans and then determine if it comes out less than a single mortgage with PMI. Obviously, a good lender is only going to present you the package if the payments are cheaper than a single loan with PMI.

You are able to refinance the loans at any point and combine them into one payment. You would only do this when the value of the home is more than 20% above of the amount you will mortgage. As the value of your home increases through home improvements or time, you can receive an appraisal and speak to your home loan professional to determine if refinancing the loans into one loan makes sense.

These types of loans are often referred to as 80-10-10 loans or 80-15 loans, among other names. An 80-10-10 loan is a mortgage at 80% of the amount to be financed and than two home equity loans at 10% each. You will likely find that all three loans will have a different interest rate with this type of package. 80-15 loans are similar but would be the main loan at 80% and a secondary loan at 15% with the buyer putting down the additional 5%.

It is important to note that when financing 90% - 100% of a home, or more, the appraisal will play a key role in the loan approval process. If the appraisal does not come out at a pre-determined amount, the lender may feel that the transaction is not a sound one. You may need to go back and renegotiate the purchase price of the home or run the risk of being denied the mortgage. Most real estate contracts, however, do have a clause in them that allows the buyer out of the contract if they are denied a mortgage. You will want to speak to the lawyers and real estate agent in advance if you are planning for applying for this type of loan. Some contingency clauses in contracts specify a maximum percentage of a loan you need to qualify for and if you are denied for a loan at a higher percentage you are not protected by this clause.

It is important for you to have all of this information in place before you start your home search. By knowing how your financing is going to be handled you will be able to make sure you are protected in the transaction and you will also be able to negotiate a better deal since your financing has been completed or is close to being completed. The key is knowing in advance what percentage of the value of the home you are able to and willing to put down on your new home.