Insurance Training - 3 Secrets to Success

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By Zafer Ahmed


Insurance training is very easy to find. Getting the right insurance training, however, can prove to be a challenge if you're not sure exactly what you are looking for. First, you must choose which type of training you want, and then you must go out and find the program that works best for you. There are some considerations, of course, that can influence your decision and change your mind completely about it. If you want to have the most successful experience possible, keep these three tips in mind.

1. If you are seeking continuing education or even first time training, don't assume that you have to pay for it. If you work for an insurance company or agency, you should see what they can do to offer compensation for your continuing education. After all, you are an asset to them and many places will be willing to foot the bill. If you're just starting out, try to find a position that will pay for your training and licensure before you start looking for programs.

2. Focus on the quality of the program. It doesn't matter how much the program costs in the long run, as long as you're getting the best insurance training that you can. If you want a better career path, get more training. It's up to you as to which you choose, but you should never settle for a training course simply because it's cheap.

3. Pick your designation. If you're getting insurance training, you'll either need licensure in property/casualty insurance (P & C) or in life and health. You can also choose from commercial insurance training, as well as business insurance specialties like agricultural insurance, and so on. You choose your career goals, so you should choose the right training to achieve those goals.

When it comes to insurance training, it can seem like a very daunting task to find the right programs and get the training that you need. However, when you take the time to consider your options and find the program that's right for YOU, it can be much easier. Remember that if you've already got a position and are seeking CE requirements, you should talk to your employer about paying for them for you. Sometimes even if you're new to the industry, you can get an agency to hire you and pay for your licensure by agreeing to work with them for a certain amount of time. Keeping these things in mind will make your search much easier in the end.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zafer_Ahmed
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Things You Need to Understand About Insurance

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By Florida Dy


When it comes to insurance coverage, there are really a lot of things that you would need to understand before you avail of it. After all, you should get one so that you and those you love will be benefited by it. If you really intend to make sure that that is what will happen in the end, then you better make sure that you understand everything about the policy you are thinking of availing before you even spend any money and affix your signature at any of the forms.

First of all, you would have to know the entire scope of what you will avail. Does it cover only for you or even for your family members? Aside from that, who are the ones that are eligible to be your beneficiaries? Also, you should clarify about how much you would need to pay and when it is expected. If you don't inquire about these things in advance, then there is always the tendency that you might misunderstand some terms and you might be surprised later on that you wouldn't be able to get the amount that you are expecting.

This has actually happened countless of times in the past and that's why there are many insurance companies that are receiving lots of complaints from their own clients. Actually, you might even be interested with some reports that you can view from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website and you will be able to see some example of what we are telling you about.



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Reduce Your Health Insurance Costs - Six Strategies For Saving You Money

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By Marty Lisevick


My wife Donna and I are driving around Glastonbury, CT. yesterday and she started telling me how the gas prices differ dramatically in town. She is a very astute woman who can always find a bargain. As I looked around the town I saw she was absolutely correct. One station has regular at $2.28, another at $2.16, and yet another at the other end of town at $2.06. I'm sure the bargain hunters like her go to the one that sells for $2.06 - money's tight and you save it wherever you can. Then I started thinking about the similarities of pricing in CT when it comes to health insurance. Our capitol of CT is Hartford - "Insurance Capital of the World" - a lot of different insurance companies selling similar health plans - sometimes with a wide variety of pricing. I wonder if people spend as much energy looking to save money on gas as they do on their health insurance. If they did their savings would be a lot more substantial!

With that in mind, here are my six ways to reduce your health insurance costs.

1) Review your coverage and cost every year - It never ceases to amaze me the people who brag about how they saved $100 bucks for the year on their car or home insurance but never bother to look into their health insurance plan. If they put the same type of effort and research into this they could be putting a lot more money back into their pockets. There are health insurance companies now that offer 2 or even 3 year rate guarantees (the premium rate stays the same over that period) and insurance brokers like myself can help you review your coverage, often times help you find a similar or more inclusive plan for less money. This past week I helped a 55 year old woman reduce her health insurance costs by $250 a month - changing her plan to a different company (she had never switched before, they just continually rated her up each year) that she had for over 6 years to a different company. In the process I lowered her deductible, and helped her get improvements in her overall coverage amount, prescription drug coverage, increased number of doctor visits per year, and added a dental plan. She essentially just saved $3000 over the course of the year and walked away with a much better health plan. If you want to do this on your own, there are many websites out there that can help - you can compare costs and plans with all of the major companies - or feel free to contact me and I will be happy to help you. Do not be afraid to change companies - rates and coverage can vary dramatically.

2) Unnecessary options - Take a look at your coverage - are there options in it that you really don't use or need? For example, if you are young and healthy and rarely go to the doctor - you probably don't need a plan that gives you unlimited doctor visits over the year. There are many plans that will cover 2 -4 visits a year or you can choose to pay for the visit out of pocket it you wish. This can drop your premium down dramatically. Do you rarely need prescription medications - if you don't or you can go to Wal-Mart and get the generic brand for $4 - that is a great solution. I have had clients who had great prescriptions drug plans that had a $2000 a year cap that didn't need it - just reducing it to a $500 cap can reduce your premium. Do you have a vision plan, but don't wear glasses or contacts? That is an easy and obvious option to take a look at! If you pay a lot for dental coverage, you can see if you have an Aspen Dental office in your area. Look into getting a dental discount card (usually around $9 a month) and see how much a month going there can save you. Dental plans can vary dramatically - I have been able to drop clients costs from $45 a month to $15 a month in CT. - be sure you look at it.

3) Look into a high deductible plan with supplementary coverage - One of the greatest costs to a client in health insurance is caused by accidents. Many companies offer supplementary accident coverage that will fill in the holes left by high deductible insurance policies. For example, I have a 41 year old female client with a high deductible plan - $5000 on any hospital/surgical visit. The plan is very basic - offers a couple of office visits a year, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, etc. She is paying around $180 a month for the plan. One of the smarter things we did was include a $2500 supplemental accident plan - covers her up to $2500 in the event of an accident - has a $100 deductible. Sure enough, she slipped in her kitchen and fell - threw out her back - by the time she was done she had $1800 in expenses - the plan covered all of it except for the $100 deductible. She saves money on a high deductible plan each month, and has the accident piece taken care of. If you own a business, look into a high deductible group plan, combined with a supplementary plan like AFLAC - they offer great solutions to the holes in the coverage and help keep your premiums low.

4) Quit smoking - You can save big dollars on your insurance costs just by quitting smoking. To test this, I plugged myself (45 year old man - good health/preferred rating) into a health plan that would cost me $219 a month. Next I rated myself as a preferred smoker and the premium jumped to $318 a month! So then I put my wife (39 year old and myself -non-smokers-preferred rating) on the same plan and our premium came to $386 a month. That same plan would cost us $562 a month if we are listed as preferred smokers. So if you smoke, give it up - if you won't stop for your health, then stop smoking for your wallet!!! A lot of companies will give you the preferred rating if you have stopped for 6 months. You can save up to 30% on your costs by kicking the habit!

5) Overweight - drop the pounds - If you are overweight, health insurance companies will rate up your policy premium. The average rate up can be around 25% if you are 20-30 pounds overweight. Once you drop the weight, contact your company - if they won't make the adjustment for you - start looking at different companies - your savings could be substantial.

6) Find a solution to your coverage problem - There is a solution out there for you. I recently sat with a group of realtors who were under the misconception that they could not get health insurance because their company did not offer a group plan. Nothing could be further from the truth - I showed them some individual plans that several of them are now with. I also was able to put four of them into a small group plan (they were willing to start their own business together that could produce a Schedule C and the appropriate tax documents). I recently also had a 50 year old female client - who was not insurable by individual plans due to her condition - but we were able to find her a guarantee issue plan that would cover her. Companies that would routinely deny coverage to people for years for such conditions like diabetes are now accepting the exact same people as clients. The message here is don't give up - and if you need help - get a broker/agent to help you find the coverage you need.

I hope this helps you to find ways to reduce your health insurance costs. If I can be of further assistance, feel free to drop me a line at your convenience.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marty_Lisevick
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Finding an Insurance Company That Meets All Your Insurance Needs

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By Susan Hutson


Here are some fantastic tips to help you choose the best El Paso insurance company which will provide you with cheap premiums and an efficient and reliable service:

1. Visit the El Paso insurance department. Have a look at the consumer complaint ratios and other surveys comprising of basic rate comparison. This will give you an idea of how the industry is faring and how each provider is operating.

2. Talk to medical practitioners or local personnel. Make sure these are people you can trust and ask for their opinions on different companies and which ones they would recommend.

3. An insurance agent would be a great person to talk to, to gain plenty of insight about a particular El Paso insurance company. However be aware that agents may not be straight about everything; do your own investigations based on what they say.

4. Referring to the A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings can also help you check the financial strength ratings of various insurance companies.

Having the right information on hand can help you immensely when you are doing your shopping. Either you can choose to shop online for insurance or seat yourself down with an agent and chat about the different prospects that you have.

While some companies sell plenty of insurance policies online, others sell their policies in the traditional method, through their agent. Also each company independently decides about the expenses that they are likely to incur and thereby the pricing of their policies. Hence you might actually get drastically varying quotes from different companies, so shop wisely!

As you are completing a quote, ensure that your insurance company collects information which is necessary, relevant and accurate. Additional information collected by the company can bring about inaccurate El Paso insurance quotes. Also make sure that the information remains within the boundaries of those who are involved in sales processing and those involved in claims service and/or customer service.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Hutson
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Make Savings on Insurance

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By George McGonigal


A few years ago if you were looking for insurance and you lived in Northern Ireland then you could forget about making great savings. Residents of Northern Ireland often found that what they thought was a good deal wasn't so good. They would search online only to find that at the bottom of the online form they were prohibited from claiming simply because of where they lived. Thankfully things have now changed for the better and insurance in Northern Ireland can now be found.

It does not matter whether you are looking for car, caravan, motorbike, home or life insurance you can enjoy the biggest savings by going with a specialist broker. There are many things you can do to ensure that you get the very best quotes with the cheapest premiums when looking for insurance in Northern Ireland.

Any type of insurance will come with a set amount of excess that you will have to pay if you were to have to make a claim on the insurance policy. All insurers will set a limit on this amount and this amount can differ between policies. While there is a set minimum amount, you could choose to pay out more in excess. If you do then the premiums for the cover can work out cheaper. However you do have to find the amount you choose to pay as excess out of your own pocket if you should need to make a claim on the policy. If you were to have to make a claim on the policy more than once in the same year then you could lose out.

Another way that you can make savings on your insurance is to ensure that your home, motorbike, car or caravan is as secure and as safe as possible. If you are looking for cover for a vehicle then parking it under lock and key in a garage can save you money on the insurance as the vehicle would be harder to steal. You could also install security devices such as steering wheel locks and a tracking device and these again can all help to keep down the cost of the insurance premiums. If you are looking to make savings on home insurance then you could install window and door locks and payout for a good alarm system for your home. When looking for life insurance then the healthier you are the cheaper you will get your insurance so you can stop smoking and cut down on the drinking to save money on insurance quotes.

While there are many ways to make savings on all types of insurance in Northern Ireland, it is essential that you are totally honest when applying. You will have to answer questions regarding door locks, your health, the security of your vehicle and whether your home is protected with an alarm and security alarms, for instance, of course stating yes will help to keep down the cost of your quote but if you answer less than with total honesty and have to claim, the claim could be unsuccessful.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_McGonigal
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The Truth About Insurance

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By Carla D Edwards


Many consumers purchase insurance without ever understanding what they really need or what they are buying. That can lead frustration and disgust for the insured. Following are a few of the most commonly heard myths:

Myth: I bought "full coverage" so I am covered.
Fact: "Full coverage" does not exist. In most states, only liability insurance is mandatory, but there are many other coverage options available for you to purchase. The coverages you choose are a personal and financial decision.

Myth: I only need the state required minimum liability coverage.
Fact: Although this is all that is required to drive the vehicle, it may or may not be enough to cover the damages you cause if you are involved in a severe accident that results in a lawsuit. Therefore, your personal assets could be at risk.

Myth: I need more than one estimate before my car can be repaired.
Fact: Although some companies may require more than one estimate, this is rare.

Myth: My insurance premium always increases if I'm involved in an accident.
Fact: Insurance rates are determined by a variety of factors: Information about you, your car, and your driving history all combined will affect your rate. Your rate can increase, decrease or stay the same.

Myth: Red cars are more expensive to insure.
Fact: Color is not one of the factors used to determine your rates. The year, make, model, body type, and engine size are the important factors.

Myth: Insurance companies can charge what they want for auto insurance.
Fact: Every state is requires insurers to file how they calculate rates and they cannot deviate from these filed rates. If a company desires to charge more, they must file for a rate increase with the state and wait for approval. Regulators review that information.

Myth: If someone else driving my car causes an accident, I won't be held liable.
Fact: You could be. In most states, the policy covering the vehicle is considered the primary insurance.

Myth: I should be paying the same rates as my neighbor.
Fact: No. Insurance rates are individually determined and because of this, each person's rate will be different.

Myth: My rate should go down since I am 25.
Fact: Younger and older driver typically have the most automobile accidents, however, age is only one factor in determining your auto rates. While this is generally true, other pieces of information may change that could cause your rate to stay the same or go up.

Myth: Renters insurance is too expensive.
Fact: Renters insurance is very reasonably priced.

Myth: The landlord has insurance that covers me.
Fact: The landlord usually only covers the building, not your contents.

Myth: I am healthy, I don't need life insurance.
Fact: The truth is that you are not insuring for the likely occurrence, you are insuring for the unlikely occurrence. Therefore, you can purchase the right kind of insurance (and a lot of financial security) for a healthy person for a very reasonable premium.

Myth: I don't work, so I don't need life insurance.
Fact: That may be true, but if you are a mother who is staying home taking care of young children, think how much it may cost to pay for childcare and housekeeping in your absence. It could be $30,000 a year. You should use that number as your salary to calculate your life insurance.

Insurance can be complicated. It's not something people deal with every day. The more informed you are, the better choices you'll make and a good independent insurance agent can help.



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Types of Insurance

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By Juanita Martinez


The right insurance polices can give you the needed peace of mind. There are different types of insurance policies available to cover almost anything that you can think of. You may like to take at least 2 big vacations each year, or may need to travel quite frequently for work. If you have travel insurance, you can make a claim for reasons like, loss of baggage, or trip cancellation and the like. Yes, having insurance can help when you need it the most.

There are different types of insurance policies to protect the different things you value in life, like life insurance, auto insurance, health insurance, jewelry insurance, motorcycle insurance, travel insurance and so many more. You may have a business that you run and definitely you do not want any thing to harm your business. But who can predict an accident? If an accident does take place and your business has to stop temporarily who would pay for the losses? An insurance policy at times like this would be really helpful.

Business insurance in only one of the various types of insurance policies available. Chemists can insure their stock, earnings from accidental damage, destruction and any legal cost that may be associated with it. You may be the proud owner of a classic car and hence would definitely want to protect it from any scratch. But if any damage happens to your classic beauty you won't obviously like it. Classic car insurance in such a situation might help.

All the types of insurance policies available have been designed keeping in mind the comfort of each individual. The beauty of it all lies in the fact that each of these types of insurance policies is available at different packages keeping in mind individual needs. Different insurance companies offer different packages. Not all insurance policies will have all kinds of coverage. There are exclusions in certain policies. But there are again other specialty types of insurance to provide coverage for these exclusions.

If you are the sole earning member of the family and you have an accident that renders you unable to go to work for a fairly long period of time and hence temporarily stops your income, what would you do? Disability insurance helps you prepare for a situation like this. Through disability insurance you can save up for a time like this. Similarly, there are insurance policies for several other situations.

It is very important that you determine your insurance needs before you think of buying a policy. While it is true that getting inadequate insurance is not worth the investment, it is also true that you must not be over insured. This way you will only waste your money without receiving benefits any greater than the others. It is hence advisable that you choose your policy carefully and not get confused with all the different types of insurance policies available.


Author Bio: Juanita Martinez is a longtime contributor and Moderator of the Ampminsure community. She is a financial writer, specializing in the field of insurance. You can reach-out to her through the ampminsure community for insurance related queries.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juanita_Martinez
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Auto Insurance Calculator - A Useful Tool to Use While Shopping For Auto Insurance

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By David Ackland


Shopping for auto insurance online is the easiest way to save money, but how do you know what amount of coverage you should purchase? The fact is that many people have no idea how much insurance they have on their vehicle. They are unsure whether or not they are covered if an uninsured motorist hits them, and they don't know how much the insurance company will pay out if people are injured in an accident.

All of the above scenarios can have serious financial, and in some cases legal, consequences. The reason people are often unsure of their coverage level is that they simply bought the amount of coverage that was suggested to them by an auto insurance agent.

When shopping for insurance online people don't even have the advice of the agent to go on so many people have found that an online auto insurance calculator is just the tool to help them figure out how much coverage they need.

An online auto insurance calculator is basically a web based tool that asks several questions ranging from your income bracket to you educational level. The questions are each aimed at discovering what your insurance needs may be and when they are all answered you will get a recommended amount of insurance to purchase.

The car insurance calculator is a good tool to use in order to get an idea of what you need, but remember this figure is still an estimate. If you have any unique financial situations this estimate may not indicate what the policy will actually cost. The only way to find this information is to speak with an insurance agent, which you can do after deciding on which company to use for your automotive insurance needs.

The automobile insurance calculator is a good tool to use in order to obtain a ballpark figure of your insurance needs, but it should be used in conjunction with other methods when searching for a new insurance policy.


Looking for cheap Brownsville auto insurance? Compare discount auto insurance quotes online for free at http://www.BrownsvilleAutoInsuranceQuotes.com today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Ackland
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When To Get Car Insurance?

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By Russell Marlow


It's important that you have a car insurance policy before you actually drive the vehicle in question. It's illegal to drive a car on UK roads without a relevant policy for it. This applies whether you are simply driving a car from one house to another or going for a long journey on a motorway - you must have a car insurance policy to be within the law.

It's even illegal to drive the car from the point of purchase to your home if you do not have a policy in place. This might seem strange as some people might be worried about buying a car insurance policy for a vehicle they have not yet sealed a deal for. The way around this is to get somebody who has fully comprehensive cover allowing them to drive other vehicles to drive the car back to your home address for you. Alternatively, whoever it is you are buying the car from may allow you to put down a deposit, a proportion of the final sale price, to secure the car while you go away and sort a cover policy before driving it away and paying the full amount.

The main point is that there are no exceptions when it comes to the law, you must have a relevant policy in place before you drive a car on public roads. The police take a dim view of those who are caught. You can end up in court and face penalty points on your licence plus a fine. Persistent offenders may end up with a driving ban, and those who routinely break the law can even find themselves going to prison.

Although many people are still tempted and fail to get a policy, current technology means it is easier for officers to catch offenders. Something called automatic number plate recognition or ANPR technology means the police can simply use a camera to record the registration numbers of passing vehicles and compare them instantly to a database to see if they have a policy on them. Any questionable vehicles flagged up by the system will probably find themselves instantly pulled over.

Car insurance is also still needed if you are a learner driver, and you will need something in place before you take to the roads with your L plates and qualified driver in the passenger seat. Many people use a relative's or friend's car and are put on its insurance policy as a 'named driver' before taking to the wheel. Cutting corners is not advised and remember when you do get a car policy, cover comes in different levels - third party only is the minimum legal requirement.

To recap, here are a few points to keep in mind:

* You need a policy before driving a car on UK public roads.
* Insurance needs to be in place before you take to the wheel, whatever your reason for driving that car.
* Learner drivers also need to be covered when driving on public roads.
* Penalties for driving without a policy can include points on your licence and heavy fines.


Russell Marlow is a London based freelance writer who writes about financial products including car insurance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russell_Marlow
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5 Reasons For Having Insurance

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By Phillip Darcy


The cost of insurance is rising all the time and many people are now starting to wonder if it is actually one of life's necessities. There are many different types of insurance and it can be expensive to cover everything that only has a slight chance of happening. Unfortunately though we cannot guarantee nothing bad will happen to us, our families or our belongings! There are still plenty of good reasons for taking out those insurance policies.

1. You never know what is going to happen. This is the main reason for having insurance. If you are covered and someone breaks in to your home and steals something you get it replaced, if you break your hip you get it replaced etc. This is how insurance should work.
2. You can't trust nature - In early 2009 bush fires ravaged the southern Australian state of Victoria destroying over 1000 homes (not to mention vehicles and possessions). This is but one example of the destructive forces of nature. Add storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods etc. into the mix and it becomes very clear that insurance is still very necessary!
3. You can't trust other people - Accidents happen to everyone, but there are people who cause accidents through negligence, a drunk driver for example. Not being insured doesn't mean you can't sue them, but at least you are covered from the start!
4. It's not as expensive as you might think - Insurance plans can seem expensive, but there are always ways to save money, like bundling different types of insurance together for example.
5. For your peace of mind - Knowing that you (and your family) are covered by an insurance policy if something unfortunate does happen can help put your mind at ease.


Phillip writes for the best insurance plans website with featured articles such as life insurance for the elderly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phillip_Darcy
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Top 5 Types of Insurance You Should Be Covered For

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By Jeff Salmon


Insurance is a necessity in the modern world where Mother Nature, poor drivers, thieves and accidents are just a handful of risks which can upturn your life and leave you and your finances vulnerable. Although it can seem like a needless expense, investing in insurance is the only way to prepare for the worst. With so many hazards at home, in the workplace and on the roads how do you know which types of insurance to choose? Below are 5 types of insurance which you should consider investing in.



1) Personal injury

We've all seen the adverts asking if we've been injured in an accident at work or in a public place but what would the consequences be if you actually did have an accident? You may not be able to work for a period of time and you may need to get help to look after your family or even yourself. Some of most common personal injury claims include road accidents, tripping, assault and accidents on holiday. Accidents can happen to anyone but if you work in a particularly dangerous environment, spend a lot of time behind the wheel or enjoy extreme sports, then you should consider investing in personal injury insurance.

2) Fire

All homes are at a risk from fire but the level of the risk will depend on what types of preventative measures you have in place. If you have a smoke alarm on every floor in your home and a fire extinguisher in the kitchen then your home is arguably less at risk. If the worst does happen then the aftermath of a fire can be extremely traumatic and even small fires can result in needing to spend money redecorating and replacing damaged furniture. It's worth getting covered so that the aftermath of the fire is less of a financial burden and you can have the right help on hand.

3) Flooding

In 2006 the UK saw some of the worst floods on records with thousands of homes and businesses being wrecked by water across the country. This scale of devastation proves that it's not just coastal or riverside properties which are at risk from floods and any low lying area could be affected. Arranging alternative accommodation, making repairs and replacing possessions is just the start of recovering from a flood and in some cases it take months for your home to become liveable again. Being insured can make the recovery process much smoother and also give you peace of mind if you are in a high risk area.

4) Burglary

A break in can result in your possessions being stolen and potentially damage your home if they break a window or force a door. If you live in a high risk area or in a home which is older and perhaps more vulnerable to thieves then upgrade your home security and find out exactly what your home insurance covers in terms of theft and consider raising your policy.

5) Subsidence

Subsidence is usually just associated with homes on coastal edges, steep cliffs or in mining regions but extreme weather such as flooding and the type of ground the house is built on can also cause subsidence. Subsidence can cause cracks in your property walls and damage to piping and outside areas of your home such as drive ways and patios which can affect the foundations of your home and put your property and family at risk.

Insurance is sometimes the only preventative measure you can take against accidents, break-ins and extreme weather so it's wise to check your policies to see if you have the right insurance to cover your home and lifestyle.


This article was written by Jeff Salmon of Salmon Assessors, a claims negotiation company based in London which helps people to get what they are entitled to when making insurance claims.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Salmon
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Health Insurance Quotes Online - 3 Questions to Answer Before You Shop

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By Barbara Dearing


Ready to shop for health insurance quotes online? Maybe -- maybe not. Shopping for any type of insurance usually requires the shopper to make a number of on-the-spot decisions, so it helps to have your priorities firmly in mind before you begin. If you want to avoid a mind-numbing shopping experience, you may want to write down the answers to the following 3 questions -- before you fire up your computer and start shopping for online quotes.

1. How flexible are you? Do you have your heart set on seeing a specific doctor, or receiving medical care at a specific hospital? If so, you will want to start your shopping process by ruling out all Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's), which are very restrictive about using their "in network" health care providers.

On the other hand, if you have been referred to a particular HMO, ask them up front whether or not your favorite providers are included in their network. If not, you'll want to look elsewhere -- perhaps a PPO that provides more flexibility.

2. How healthy are you? Are you looking for a specific kind of coverage? Keep in mind that health insurance coverage comes in all shapes, sizes and flavors and what is necessary for your neighbor isn't necessarily the right kind of coverage for you. Think about your lifestyle and decide whether or not any of the following optional benefits are important to you -- prescription drug coverage, mental health benefits, maternity care, vision care, dental, or chiropractic care. If you don't expect to need these benefits, there is certainly no point in paying for them in your policy.

On the other hand, make sure you are including optional coverage that you are likely to need. For example, if you have any thought of starting a family in the near future, maternity benefits are an absolute necessity as they will be prohibitively expensive or impossible to purchase once a pregnancy has occurred.

3. How much deductible can you afford? Early in the quote-seeking process, you will need to declare the amount of deductible you are seeking. Remember, the higher the deductible, the lower your premiums. It is generally advised that you accept the highest deductible being offered, even if it seems like a financial stretch -- the lower premiums will usually out-weigh the deductible over time.

Once you have a firm grasp of the flexibility, coverage and deductible that you're seeking, you're ready to begin shopping for health insurance quotes online. If you need help finding the right quote provider, please visit the website recommended below.

Barb Dearing is a freelance writer, specializing in topics that help consumers save money in a variety of areas. She recommends the following website for consumers seeking multiple health insurance quotes: http://www.shop-health-insurance-quotes.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Dearing
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Do You Need A Health Insurance Plan?

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By Uma A Ilango


Medical Bills Can Ruin You

There is no socialized medical care in the United States of America. This means that in times of medical need, you will have to pay for the bills out of your own pocket. All it takes is one serious illness or an accident to send you filing for bankruptcy. The medical bills can be raked up to tens of thousands of dollars easily.

Haven’t Got Any Health Insurance?

It is no doubt that with the surmounting bills and expenses of basic necessities in daily life, setting aside money for it may seem like a luxury or a chore. To make matters worse, a lot of plans in the market are relatively expensive. In order to feel good about the decision to not buy one, we tell ourselves a simple lie – It will never happen to me. We may even justify the decision by looking for facts to substantiate it such as being a non-smoker or having a low-risk job. Are you guilty of this?

Do you really believe that serious illnesses and freak accidents choose a particular group or type of people to “attack”? Nobody says that a non-smoker will never get cancer. All the experts say is that a smoker stands a higher chance of getting cancer. Are you really invincible? Of course, there are others who have not invested in a health insurance due to other reasons such as lack of funds or lack of understanding of how it works.

Health Insurance 101

A health insurance is basically a protection against large medical bills. You can pay monthly, quarterly or annually for your it. The first step to getting a good one is to assess your current financial standing as well as health conditions and needs. There are many types of these plans in the market and you should be able to find one that fits your situation.

Group health insurance is affordable and it can be gotten via your employer for you and your colleagues. A private one also come in many forms – indemnity insurance plans, HMO plans, POS plans and PPO plans. Find out more about each of these plans so that your final choice will be one that is well-informed. Research is required to get a good idea of it. As in other service sectors, these plans are also susceptible to a degree of misleading advertisement, promises and information. Often you hear that it will cover most or all of the medical bills. On the contrary, it does not happen all the time. It all depends on the terms, conditions and limitations listed in the health insurance plan.

As this is quite tricky and requires quite a bit of reading up and work, you may consider hiring the services of health insurance broker. Another way of getting the perfect one is to use the information on the Internet to guide you to read and understand the plans. There are many articles to help you do this. There are also many websites that help you to compare various quotes online. Also obtain online reviews about how well the health insurance company you are interested in has dealt with previous clients’ needs. For those who may need more financial assistance, there are government funded such programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. Look them up as well.

Not having a health insurance is a serious gamble with far-reaching financial and emotional effects. It need not be costly. Look for an affordable one. Know the terms, conditions and limitations. To be honest, I do wish all of you are invincible and will never ever be in a situation where you are faced with large medical bills. At the same time, I know that isn’t reality and I sincerely wish you’ll not be caught unprepared.

Many people consider that finding health insurance are for those who fall ill often and those who do risk filled jobs. However, the truth lies in the way when sudden blow of health hazard occupies one of our family members leading to consecutive problems in economy and normal life. Having a Healthinsurance is a must.

Uma Ilango is a programmer from profession. Has lots of interest in non-technical writing too. She has written articles in several topics. Her hobbies include reading, surfing, writing and playing chess. She writes regularly at Bigarticlepool.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Uma_A_Ilango
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Various Types of Insurance Plans - How to Choose the Right Plan?

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By Mona Agarwal


In this world, every person wants to secure his family. He can invest money in PPF, Mutual funds, insurance plans and many more.

There are numerous insurance policies provided by various insurance companies. So we can not easily decide the perfect policy for ourselves. There is a short description of some life insurance policies that may help you in choosing the right plan.

Term Life Insurance: - Term life insurance is an insurance which gives coverage for a particular time of period. After this period, the policy holder can continue his policy or can drop his policy. If the policy holder dies in the term period, nominee will get the death benefit. This insurance plan is very affordable. The policy holder can pay a low monthly premium that is based on the term length and amount of the coverage you choose.

Whole life insurance: - Unlike term insurance, a whole life insurance policy gives the coverage for the entire life not a particular time of period. In this insurance policy, the policy holder gives the insurance premium amount from the date of issue of policy until he completes 100 years. If he dies in this period, then his dependent will get the face value of the policy. This policy can also used as an asset. A person can also take loans from the cash accumulation with the help of policy. If the person reaches at the age of 100, he will get full amount immediately.

Money back insurance: - In money back insurance plans, the policy holder will get periodic payments of partial survival benefits during the term of the policy. The main feature of this policy is that if the insured person dies during the policy term, the death claim will be given to his nominee with sum assured without deducting any of the survival benefit amounts.

ULIP insurance plans: - ULIP plans are the combination of investment and insurance. This is a long term, systematic and goal based investment plan. One can get tax benefits under section 80c of the Income Tax Act. The two key features of this product are flexibility and transparency. Many ULIP plans provide options to increase or reduce premiums after three years.

Riders: - Riders are additional benefits that one can opt to include in one's policy over and above what the insurance policy provides. These add-ons come with extra premium charges that depend on the rider you have opted. One can not buy these riders separately.

To summarize, there are details of some insurance policies that may help you to select the right plan for you. Before purchasing any insurance policy, an individual should compare all the policies and choose the policy that meets his requirements.

This article provides the information about various insurance plans. As we know that "insurance is a contract between the insurer and the insured person". So each person wants to choose the correct insurance policy. Here, we are also providing some information about insurance policies. If you want to know more information about insurance, you can also visit:- http://www.insurancereview.in

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mona_Agarwal
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How to Select an Insurance Company

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By Lorna Greenwood


Caveat emptor - Let the buyer beware! Unfortunately, it's difficult area to be well informed in insurance for many consumers because of the number of insurance companies, kinds of coverage and similarity of names. Add to that the global aspect of the modern business climate, and the struggle can be even greater.

If you're looking for coverage for your home or car, chances are you're familiar with the companies you contact for quotes. Many insurance companies advertise in trusted areas and have long-standing reputations. You know them. When a consumer steps out in a new arena, it pays to be even more informed.


For example, one of the fastest growing industries is Medical Tourism, in which patients travel for health care.

Typically the patient travels overseas for cost savings, often to gleaming facilities with skilled surgeons and other healthcare providers. The cost savings can begin from the ground up, with state of the art facilities being constructed for 1/5 the cost for the same building in the US. Complications can arise from surgery performed anywhere. When patients travel for healthcare savings, they want to know that if a complication arises, they won't see their savings erode. Specialty insurance can cover trip cancellation, travel accident, complications of surgery and more to alleviate that concern.

Because they are specialty policies, they can vary widely. It's important for consumers to compare coverage to ensure they're getting coverage that truly meets their needs. A side by side comparison is important in this regard. Ask about exclusions, coverage periods, deductibles, taxes and fees, etc.

Further, new trends and industries create opportunities for unscrupulous offers from fictitious insurance companies. Because they can appear to be very official, and perhaps claim to be organized outside the US, consumers may feel that they fictitious company is real and legitimate. These bad apples don't spoil the whole bunch, but they can certainly leave a bad taste when they're chosen by mistake!

Insurance companies cannot be set up overnight in any country, and are either listed or reviewed by companies who rate insurers, such as Standard & Poor's or A.M. Best. Even foreign companies are rated, or at least listed (if they have not been in business long enough or otherwise don't meet the criteria to be rated.)

I recently came across a policy that was offered to medical tourists as a patient's version of Malpractice insurance. It is conceivable, but very unusual for a patient to be able to purchase malpractice insurance on a doctor (and I would add that a patient who experiences a complication of surgery would want coverage whether it was the result of malpractice or not.) It included a claim deposit that the patient had to pay if he needed to make a claim. Such requirements are highly unusual, and should prompt the consumer to investigate the validity of the company and the policy.

Consumers should always check insurance companies out, either through their trusted agent or by asking A.M. Best (www.ambest.com) or other rating companies directly. Also check with the Better Business Bureau and your state department of insurance for complaints. Consumers should also ask the insurance company who handles their product, so they know they're dealing with the right and authorized agent. An insurance company can be a victim of an unscrupulous person as well as can a consumer, when someone pretends to represent the insurance company. And unfortunately, if money is paid to a fictitious company, it can be very difficult to recover - if it can be recovered.

If in doubt, call on your trusted insurance agent to help you navigate the waters. Get quotes from several companies, check out the companies and agents, compare coverage forms, and move forward knowing that while no insurance policy is everything to everyone, you've made an informed choice for the best option for your needs.


Lorna Greenwood, WCS, CRM, CIC, CISR, ACSR is Program Manager at US Risk Underwriters, Inc. in Dallas, Texas with over fifteen years of experience in the insurance industry, plus ten years experience in real estate investment portfolio management. Visit http://usrisk.com/medtour.htm and http://www.usrisk.com/uw_vocal.htm for more information on her programs. Lorna underwrites MedTour Pro - coverage for Medical Tourism Facilitators, Employers who offer Medical Tourism Benefits to employees; and MedTour - coverage for the medical tourist.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lorna_Greenwood
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Bike Insurance Important Protection For Riders

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By: Jason Mark


For the large contingent of motorcycle riders in the UK, bike insurance offers crucial cost protection for both the equipment and the rider. Riders who race motorbikes, or who ride a bike for transportation, need to protect the investment in their bike, while also having access to affordable health costs if injury occurs from an accident.

While there are many customized coverage options available to bike riders, three particular covers are important to riders. Riders who buy expensive bikes, and want to protect their investments, are concerned with insurance for their equipment. Bike protection offers similar benefits to other auto protection. Coverage includes collision protection and payment for damage or repairs covered by the plan. Some plans also include breakdown recovery service in the event the bike breakdown in a remote location.


Other bike insurance seekers are more concerned with rider protection. Some bikers need coverage for both themselves and their bikes. However, some bikers that do not necessarily have as much invested in their bikes, are more concerned with having adequate coverage for personal injury. Additionally, bikers who race or ride bikes as a profession might need protection against loss of earnings or income, if they rely on their bikes to make money.

Thirdly, bikers need legal or liability protection. Some insurers include a certain amount of motor legal protection with all plans. Legal motor protection helps protect the rider from liability or legal issues that arise from accidents or other situations where the rider is at fault.

Finding a service provider that offers the need protection benefits, with great service and claims response, at a reasonable cost, are all important to bike insurance customers. Insurers that respond quickly to claims, with little to no hassle, who also provide great customer support, are often more beneficial than the cheapest insurers. Riders can still find great service at reasonable rates from insurers that specialize in bike insurance.

Many factors can affect the cost of bike insurance. The value of the bike and the riding history of the rider, are important factors. The more risk of payout to the insurer, the more expensive the premiums. Thus, riders with a spotty record and a history of lots of claims can expect to pay more.

The age of a bike is also relevant. Some companies offer certain promotions or varying rates and coverage that are affected by the bike’s age. One great option for some riders is the ability to combine bike insurance with motor insurance, or other insurance products. Some insurance specialists offer discounts on combined products in order to attract more business from existing customers and spread the risk. Joint coverage is also available.

A bike insurance customer needs to consider his or her needs based on activities the bike is used for. A casual weekend rider has different protection requirements than a sport rider or every day rider. A specialist bike insurance company has products and benefits available to protect for a variety of customers and needs. Service and support are keys to long-term satisfaction from coverage.



Jason Hulott is Business Development Director of Protection Insurance (http://www.protection-insurance.com), an internet based insurance business dedicated to getting consumers the best rates and the best products. Visit us for Low Cost Insurance.
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Top 5 ways to save on car insurance

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By: David Lynes - Loans4


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.



David Lynes

Loans4 provide homeowner loan solutions for homeowners. Please visit http://www.loans4.co.uk for the latest finance related news.
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How To Protect Your Business And Reduce Insurance Costs

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By: Steve Strong


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.



Steve Strong's is an employee with Sun Security which is an innovative and growth oriented company who uses a fresh and new approach to meet the security needs of millions of consumers throughout North America. Visit us at: http://www.sunsecurity.com
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Classic Car Insurance - 6 Questions to Ask Before You Apply

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By Barb Dearing


Are you ready to shop for classic car insurance? Maybe, maybe not. Before you pick up the phone, let's take a minute to review the six questions you need to consider before you talk with an agent.

Essentially, your agent is going to want to know how much the car is used and how you plan to maintain it. Knowing the answers to these questions will save you time on the phone -- and put you in a much better position to negotiate the best insurance coverage for your classic honey.


1. Do you plan to insure the car for what you feel it's really worth? Your agent will undoubtedly ask how much insurance coverage you are seeking -- if your personal opinion of value is higher than the vehicle's appraised value, you may want to consider a higher level of coverage.

2. Do you plan to participate in car club events? If so, you need to consider the amount of liability you can incur in such events. A classic car that is stored 365 days a year has much less potential for liability claims than a car that is driven regularly in parades and other event.

3. Are you planning an extended period of renovation for the car? If so, do you need to insure the car while it's off the road?

4. Do you plan to ship the car any time soon? If so, additional coverage may be warranted since the car will be outside of your control.

5. How many miles a year do you expect to drive the car? If these miles are limited, you may be able to negotiate a lower premium. Be sure to ask about any maximum mileage limitations. An annual restriction of 2,500 miles may be imposed by your car insurance company.

6. Who will be repairing or maintaining the car? Again, if the car is outside of your control, you may want to consider higher theft and damage coverage. On the flip side, if you personally maintain the car within secure confines on your property, you may want to pay for minimal coverage.

The answers to all of these questions need to be considered before you decide how much coverage is warranted for your classic car. Also, car owners should be aware that some insurance companies specialize in classic car insurance. But as with any car insurance policy, it's best to get quotes from several insurance providers before making a decision. Hopefully, by carefully considering the answers to the six questions we've discussed, you'll be prepared to shop for the best coverage for your classic car.

Thinking of shopping online for multiple car insurance quotes? You may want to visit the website recommended below to get at least five quotes for your classic car insurance.


Barb Dearing is a writer specializing in topics that help consumers save money. She recommends the following website for free car insurance quotes: http://www.shop-car-insurance.com

Article Source: http://www.goarticles.com
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Your Best Car Insurance Quote - 3 Things To Do Before You Shop

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By Barb Dearing


Everybody knows that to get the best car insurance quote, it's important to shop at least five different car insurance companies. But before you even get those quotes, there are a few things you can do to make yourself (and your vehicle) more attractive to insurers.

1) Keep Your Credit Clean… Studies have shown a direct correlation between your credit score and the likelihood that you will file an auto insurance claim. For this reason, almost all insurers pull your credit report. Your credit report shows an insurer if you pay your bills in a timely fashion and have had the same credit accounts for a long time.

Someone who does this is considered more stable than someone who pays late and frequently opens and closes accounts. This information is used to create your "insurance risk score", which is one factor that determines your car insurance rate.

Tip: If your credit history is not strong, start cleaning it up. If there is unusual credit activity on your account, wait about a month for it to return to normal before shopping for car insurance quotes.

2) Think About the Type of Car You Plan to Buy… Insurers have a rating system for every car make and model. Most use a system devised by the Insurance Service Office, which starts with the cost of the vehicle and then factors in safety and theft data. Cars are given a rating from 1 to 27, and the higher the number, the higher your premium.

Tip: Look up your car's relative risk online. If you're trying to keep your car insurance premiums low, it's best to consider this risk before you buy that high-risk sports car.

3) Pay your insurance premium in full ... "Fractional premium" fees are usually charged when you pay your annual premium in six-month, quarterly or monthly installments. There is almost always an administrative fee to break down these payments also. This can really add up.

Tip: Ask about fees for paying in installments. If the fees are small enough, it may be worth it. If not, bite the bullet and pay for the insurance premium in full.

OK, you've cleaned up your credit, chosen a low-risk car and have budgeted to pay your full car insurance premium up-front. Now you're ready to shop for your best car insurance quote!


Barb Dearing is a writer specializing in topics that help consumers save money. She recommends the following website for free car insurance quotes: http://www.shop-car-insurance.com

Article source: http://www.goarticles.com
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Insurance Explanations

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By Heidi Ball


What exactly is the benefit of having so many types of insurance? Sure, some insurances are mandatory to have in some states, but what is it about all of it? Why do we really "need" insurance?

Let's take a quick look at them one by one.

First off let's talk about homeowners insurance. Purchasing a home is a large investment. Not only the structure of the home, but all the contents inside. If something would happen to your home and everything in it because of a fire or flood, would you be covered? Your home is the largest asset you will probably ever own. It is important to make sure you are protected in case something happens to your home or anything that is inside.


Auto insurance is required on today's roads and for good reason. This goes for any vehicle that has to pass a safety/emissions test. While most people want to save as much money on car insurance as possible, it is important to remember that you need adequate coverage also. The best way to get the lowest rate is to keep a clean driving record. Don't skimp on auto insurance - this is probably the area of insurance that you need the most.

Life insurance can cost a pretty penny and is something people really don't want to think about. Try thinking about what it is your loved ones would do financially without you. Would your death be a financial burden? Would everything still be able to be paid for after you're gone? Life insurance provides financial security that your family will need during one of life's most difficult times. This is an important type of insurance to consider.

You work hard to keep your business up and running and perhaps it's time to think about business insurance. If your business is your livelihood, then you need to protect it from problems that can arise. It is wise to at least look into what business insurance can do for you.

No matter the type of insurance, it all has its place and is all important. Be sure to talk to someone about your specific situation and an expert in the insurance field can lead you to what is best for your needs.


For Rochester business insurance or even for Rochester auto insurance, contact Bajorek Agency

Heidi Ball is a freelance writer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heidi_Ball
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Asset Protection - Personal Property is an Asset Worth Protecting

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By Wolfgang O


Most of us think of assets as real property, investments, vehicles, savings accounts and so on. While those are valuable and it only makes sense to protect ourselves by protecting our assets, many of us do not think of our personal property as a big asset, and we don't protect ourselves against their loss beyond taking out a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.

It is true that pennies make dollars, and the value of all our personal property--clothes, furniture, kitchenware, appliances, collections, electronics, and so forth--is probably more than we think. If we had to replace everything at once, it could be a hardship. Yet many of us lose our personal property piecemeal by failing to take care of what we own.


Have you ever replaced a lost thing, then found what was lost? Every time that happens, we've thrown away money we would not have had to spend had we taken better care to not lose things in the first place. Money spent buying duplicates is money that can't be spent elsewhere: on house payments, invested, saved, or whatever. Perhaps replacing a lost pair of pliers won't break the bank, but if you're replacing many lost things, it adds up to a financial loss. Add to that the clothes we destroy by improper cleaning or other abuse. What about the furniture we have to replace due to pet damage or damage from smoking? The lost eyeglasses we have to shell out for because our insurance won't replace them until next year? The food we put down the garbage disposal because we don't eat leftovers, or because it was shoved to the back of our refrigerator?

Do our driving habits shorten the life of our car's tires or brakes? Do we abuse or clothes washer or dryer by overloading? Do we waste electricity by leaving lights on in an empty room or do we waste natural gas heat because our home's windows leak? How much of what we pay for every year is due to wastefulness, carelessness, or inattention?

Considering what we could do with the cash we waste through our own bad habits is sobering. Perhaps we could give ourselves an immediate five or ten percent (or more) raise in the amount available for investment simply by living more carefully and attentively and eliminating waste. None of us would take ten percent of our hard-earned cash and burn it up--but our waste does the same thing to our available investment cash. It makes no sense to carefully trade under-performing stocks to maximize return, and at the same time waste a little here and a little there that adds to a bigger drain than that under-performing stock. Do you drain fail to protect your smaller assets by being careless with your things? wasting expensive energy? Do your own wastefulness audit. The result will probably be more than you think.

Be sure to read up on Asset Protection since it is an extremely important part of your Real Estate Investing plan

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wolfgang_O
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How to Shop For Auto Insurance

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By Justin Narin


With auto insurance premiums rising across the country, comparing premiums for similar auto insurance coverage has become the ultimate test of your shopping savvy. Have you checked with every insurer to be sure you'll be paying the lowest premium for the most coverage? Did you check on all the discounts for which you might be eligible, such as good-grades discounts for your high school student, driver's education and defensive driving course discounts, anti-theft device price breaks, and multi-car rates? Putting it all together to know you're getting the best price is challenging, but the money you'll save on your premiums makes the extra effort well worth it in the long run. Follow these three steps to be sure you're making the right choice.


First, log onto www.naic.org to find out if there are any online resources that pertain to your area. This is the website for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Find the link to NAIC States and Jurisdictions. From there, you can find out if your state or area has a website listing the current rates of local auto insurance companies. If so, you're already a step ahead of the game. Just keep in mind that the rates quoted on these sites cannot take your personal situation into account. If you have bad credit or a poor driving record, your premiums will probably be higher than those listed on your local insurance commissioner's website, but at least you can study trends of different companies in your area from an unbiased source, making useful comparisons that can save you time when you're calling around.

Even if your state doesn't have a site, the NAIC website contains consumer guides with valuable information to which you may want to refer during your search.

Next, you need to shop around for coverage. Be honest with the companies you call or visit online about your personal situation, your insurance needs, and your driving history. When you receive a quote, confirm that you know exactly how much coverage is being offered for the premium amount mentioned. Remember that your auto insurance is actually a group of several different types of coverage. Ask how much coverage the quoted premium provides to you and how much each coverage is worth. Make sure you're comparing similar plans, and know what law in your state requires.

Finally, it's time to talk discounts. Once you've narrowed your choices, compare the discounts offered from one insurer to another.

Get a quote on the final premium amount after all discounts are taken. One insurer may offer you two discounts good for 5% each while another may offer you only one discount. However, if that one discount offers you a savings of 15% total, it will make more sense to purchase your policy from the second insurer. Take a look at the bottom line (the final premium amount) for a true comparison.

Look at the information the NAIC has to offer you, shop around for the lowest premium and best coverage, and make sure you receive every discount to which you're entitled. If you follow these steps, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing you got the best auto insurance deal available to you.

For more articles and suggestions, visit http://www.bills.com/auto-insurance-guide-article/

Justin has 5 years of experience as a financial adviser; his key areas are loan consolidation, debt relief, mortgages etc. For more free articles and advice visit http://www.Bills.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Justin_Narin
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Individual Medical Insurance Coverage

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By Howard Kaufman



If you've been recently laid off from work and your COBRA benefits have expired or are near expiring, or if you are self-employed, then your only recourse to obtain health insurance would be to purchase your own individual medical insurance coverage.

Though buying your own individual medical insurance coverage is generally more expensive than employer-sponsored healthcare (because your employer is subsidizing a significant percentage of your actual healthcare costs), there is some good news for individuals who are shopping around for the best deals:

You have a far greater degree of flexibility in terms of the type of plans you can choose from, since you are free to subscribe to and drop a health insurance provider any time you want to. You are never locked into one specific plan like you would be if you were obtaining coverage through an employer.

* You can choose your health insurance provider.
* You can choose from a wide array of deductible options.
* You can choose from a wide array of monthly premiums.
* You can choose plans that include or exclude the coverage and features that you want, such as prescription coverage, maternity coverage, flexible spending accounts, coinsurance and copay amounts.

Another piece of good news is that, even though you don't pay for your individual medical insurance coverage premiums with pretax dollars the way you would under an employer-sponsored plan, you get to take a tax deduction for qualified medical expenses that are in in excess of 7.5% (as of this writing) of your adjusted gross income.



Not sure which health plan is right for you? Compare health plans now and get a free insurance quote.


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Insurance Leads - How to Choose the Best Company For Your Insurance Agency Leads

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By W. G. Moore



They're hundreds of companies out there who will offer to sell you Insurance Leads, some have been in the business for many years, others are start ups, and still others are fly-by-night garbage lead pushers. So how do you tell if a company is reputable? How do you know the leads you get are going to be of high quality? Truthfully, unless you have lost money dealing with bad companies then you won't. Although there is a good chance to make lots of money with the right leads, there is also a very good chance to loose money as well. There are pros and cons to every method of lead generation, but knowledge of what to look for can save you time and money.

Let me give you an example of my dealings with lead sellers. A few years back I ran a successful Commercial Mortgage Brokerage, most of my business came through word of mouth and referrals. Like all businesses that rely on sales to generate income, the pipeline can run dry, so did mine. I tried various other lead generation strategies with marginal results, direct mail, post cards, etc. I researched several sales lead companies and found one that was very reputable in their field. So how do you determine if a company is reputable? You ask your competition. Whenever you deal with a lead generation company, whether its mortgage leads, life insurance leads, or consumer leads you will have to compete with other companies who will be buying the same leads. Look at what other Insurance companies are listed and call them up, if you can't find out that info then ask the lead company. If they really are reputable then they will have no problem providing you with references from happy customers.

In addition to the companies reputation, the second criteria should be the quality of the insurance leads provided by the company. Most companies have a limit to how many times they sell a lead, look for a company that will only sell a lead to 2 or 3 other insurance agents. The obvious reason for this is that you don't want a lead that 10 other agents have already purchased, the last thing you want is to spend money on a lead you have no chance of closing, not to mention the ear chewing your going to get when you're the 10th insurance broker to call the client that day. With fewer agents having bought the lead you have a better chance of closing the deal and selling your services to the client. A good insurance lead company may even offer exclusive targeted leads for a premium price. These leads are sold to only you and are targeted to your insurance product, for instance Auto insurance leads in Florida, or Life Annuity Leads in California.

In addition to the above criteria, lead transfer time is very important. Look for a company that offers live transfer or real time leads. These are leads that are batched and sold immediately upon the application being submitted. In some cases a phone operator is used to call the customer and that operator then transfers the "warm" client to the agent. This is the best insurance lead to get, the client is pre-qualified and verified before being connected to the qualified agent to close the deal. A typical company will list the methods used to gather their insurance company leads. Look for companies that generate search traffic thru targeted campaigns - whether Pay Per Click, Print media, or other forms of lead generation. It is also important to stay away from companies that use incentivized traffic, these are companies that use bribery to get visitors to fill out an application for an Insurance quote, these are customers who will not answer your phone call or even hang-up on you when you call. it is a good idea to also make sure the company provides replacement leads for bad or bogus leads. Even the best companies can get a few bad apples in the bunch.

Buying insurance leads should be a small part of every companies long term strategy for keeping their pipeline full of "warm" quality leads. Keeping the above listed criteria in mind will help limit your risk and ensure a great return on investment.


W.G. Moore is an Internet Marketer specializing in Insurance and Finance marketing. The authors website http://www.national-insurance-quotes.com provides a hassle free means of comparing insurance quotes from the nations top insurance companies. Visitors can obtain multiple insurance quotes for life, auto, health, renters, homeowners and condo insurance. Customers can also compare annuity investments for a complete financial plan. The website also provides direct linking to real-time insurance leads for qualified agents and brokers.


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