Terms of Use You may not realize it, but the insurance rates you pay for your car can vary dramatically depending on the insurance company, agent or broker you choose, the coverages you request and the kind of car you drive. Listed below are a number of things you can do right now to lower your insurance costs. 1. COMPARISON SHOP Prices for the same coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars, so it pays to shop around. Ask your friends, check the yellow pages or call your state insurance de  More...

Terms of Use While most every state requires that you buy a minimum amount of liability coverage, consider what you are paying for additional collision and comprehensive coverage, especially when you're driving an older vehicle. With most policies, your coverage reflects the market value of your car and the cost of repairing it. You may want to consider a liability-only policy which can reduce your insurance costs by 50 percent or more, according to the National Association of Insurance C  More...

Terms of Use It's estimated that each year on average Americans spend roughly $11,000 per person on health care. Without putting your health on the line, it's good to know where you can reduce medical costs: 1. Generic drugs: Always ask whether the prescription drug your doctor recommends is available in a generic form. Generic drugs can cost 20-70 percent less than name brands, saving you and your insurance company money. Also check into mail order as a way to cut costs. 2. Avoid  More...

Terms of Use: 1. BE SURE TO SHOP AROUND. It'll take a few phone calls, but they could save you a good sum of money. Ask your friends, check the yellow pages or call your state insurance department. Also check consumer guides, insurance agents and companies. This will give you an idea of price ranges and tell you which companies or agents have the lowest prices. But don't consider price alone. The insurer you select should offer both a fair price and excellent service. Quality service may co  More...

Terms of Use: Try the following steps if you are not satisfied with how your insurance claim is being handled: Let your agent or company representative know that you are unhappy. If this individual is unable to solve your problem, get the name and phone number of the head of the insurer's claims department. Your insurance company may also have a consumer complaint department that may be helpful. Be prepared to support your case. Send documents and a letter explaining why you are not satisfie  More...

Terms of Use: Below we have identified what is generally covered by a standard homeowners policy, but you need to talk to your insurance agent to understand specifically what your policy covers and up to what amount. What's generally covered: Damage to both structures and personal property caused by: fire lightning windstorm (including hurricanes and tornadoes) or hail explosions riot or civil commotion aircraft and vehicles smoke theft or vandalism falling objects weight of ice, snow or sle  More...

Terms of Use: Under COBRA, participants, covered spouses and dependent children may continue their plan coverage for a limited time when they would otherwise lose coverage due to a particular event, such as divorce (or legal separation). A covered employee’s spouse who would lose coverage due to a divorce may elect continuation coverage under the plan for a maximum of 36 months. A qualified beneficiary must notify the plan administrator of a qualifying event within 60 days after divorce or legal  More...

Terms of Use 1. Bodily Injury Liability This coverage applies to injuries you, the designated driver or policyholder cause to someone else. You and family members listed on the policy are also covered when driving someone else’s car with their permission. It’s very important to have enough liability insurance, because if you are involved in a serious accident, you may be sued for a large sum of money. Definitely consider buying more than the state-required minimum to protect assets  More...

Terms of Use There are five main considerations you need to take into account when picking an auto insurance company. Insurer financial stability Make sure that the company you buy from is financially stable so you know they will be around to pay any claims. The following companies rate insurance company strength: A.M. Best Company, Inc. Ambest Rd. Oldwick, NJ 08858 908-439-2200 http://www.ambest.com Moody’s Investor Services 99 Church Street New York, NY 10007 212-553-0300 http://ww  More...

Terms of Use Almost every state requires you to buy a minimum amount of liability coverage. Chances are that you will need more liability insurance than the state requires because accidents cost more than the minimum limits defined by each state. If you’re found legally responsible for damages that are more than your insurance covers, you will have to pay the difference out of your own pocket. These costs could literally wipe you out financially! The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.  More...