Affordable health insurance for self employed residents of New York

Why it is important for the self employed to have health insurance

People who work for big corporations normally are provided with medical coverage as part of their benefits. If they ever fall sick, their employee will pick up the tab for the medical expenses. Self employed do not that safety net. Getting sick can be a pretty expensive affair in New York. If the self employed ever fall sick, they will have to take care of their own medical expenses. Depending on what kind of treatments are needed, the costs can vary from an affordable sum to something which is beyond the means of the self employed. It may mean having to go without the treatments needed or get the treatments and bring the self employed to near bankruptcy.

Insurance works by pooling risks. Insured pays a premium which goes into a pool. Those who are fortunate and stayed healthy do not get any "benefits" from the insurance pool, and the insurance premium they paid wouldn't give them any "returns". However, this is a happy situation to be in, for who will want to get sick just so that they can draw benefits from the insurance pool formed by the premiums paid by the insured.

The unfortunate who fell sick, but who bought health insurance can be sort of considered "fortunate" in the sense that they don't have to worry about the costs of medical treatments. These costs can be paid out from the insurance pool.

Health Insurance in New York for the self employed

OK, so I assume you are convinced of the necessity of getting health insurance. Now there is the question of the insurance premium, which must be paid for you to be insured against risks of getting sick. Can you afford it?

Fortunately, there is Healthy New York which says they can offer affordable insurance for the self employed. Getting a quote for the health insurance you need is a simple 3 step process.

First, use the drop-down menu to select the county you reside in. The counties listed are Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Westchester, Albany, Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugua, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Duchess, Rrie, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genessee, Greene, Hamiltom, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Steuben, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates.

You will then have to use another drop-down menu to select your status, namely Applicant, Applicant & Spouse, Applicant and Child, Applicant & 2 Children, Family (applicant, spouse & 1 child), Applicant & 3 Children, Family (applicant, spouse & 2 children), Applicant & 4 Children, Family (applicant, spouse & 4 children).

Finally, you will have to select your annual income. Here the choices are only 2 - under $41,625 and over $41,625.

Let us try an example, Let us assume you are staying in Bronx, you want health insurance for Family (applicant, spouse & 1 child), and your annual income is under $41,625.

Step number to is to get an instant quote to compare plans. Click "Get Instant Quotes" and what we get is a list of different plans by 4 different insurance companies listing the benefits. Check that and see how affordable it is.

If you wish to know more about "Healthy New York", there is a 12 page PDF book by Healthy New York Insurance which gives comprehensive information on health insurance for self employed New York residents.

Automobile Insurance

Many countries in the world makes automobile insurance mandatory for getting a license to put a car on public roads. This is for obvious reasons. A car may get involved in an accident causing property damages, injuries, in serious cases, death. The driver and/or the car owner may be liable to pay damages or compensation. The figure may be huge and beyond the ability of them to pay and the aggrieved party or parties will be deprived of their legal (and moral) rights. By making automobile insurance mandatory, this ensure that parties eligible to compensation and damages get paid. Most motorists purchase their cars with the aid of car loans. In such cases, invariably, the car loan companies will require the purchaser to get insurance to protect their "investment". They will probably require the purchaser to get a Comprehensive Auto Insurance or Collision Auto Insurance.

The situation in the United States is complicated because each of the 50 states have its own requirements on automobile insurance. In some, it is mandatory. In others you can get away by showing documents you have to meet any potential claims. You can get more details from Auto Insurance Remedy. In addition to general information, on that site, there are links to sites giving information of the requirements of individual states. For example, a brief check on California (CA) Mandatory Auto Insurance Minimums shows that one of them is for Liability Car Insurance: Bodily Injury Policy (BI).

Penalties for non-compliance is also very variable with some states imposing a penalty as little as a $100 fine, while others suspend a driver's license the car registration for up to six months, up to a $5000 fine, and up to one year in jail. It is advisable for you to check and then get an online quote for the auto insurance policy you need from the above sites.

Homeowners Insurance and Health Insurance

The principle behind insurance is spreading risks. One is exposed to all kinds of risks, and if you don't provide protection against these risks by getting the relevant insurance, if you are unfortunate, and the risk happened to you and you are not protected by an insurance policy against that risk, you and your family can face great hardship and it may even bring bankruptcy upon you. It is wise to share the risks to which you may be exposed to by spreading the risks among many people via an insurance policy from a reputed insurance company. For most types of insurance policy, if the unfortunate didn't happen to you, your small premium you pay for the insurance policy is gone, but the unfortunate get compensated and a disaster can be averted. Getting an insurance policy to spread the risk is a highly advisable practice.

There are many many types of insurance which a common man may need. Most people just purchase an fire insurance policy for their home to provide for the contingency of a fire destroying their house, most because they obtained a bank loan for purchasing that house and the bank make it mandatory. However a fire insurance policy do not provide for many different contingency like the loss of the content of the house. A better insurance to go for is a Homeowners insurance which is more comprehensive.

Getting sick can be expensive and is getting more expensive by the day. Medical expenses can drain your savings and more. Some may even have to resort to selling their house to get the medical treatment they need or even go without the treatment they need. However, if you get a Health insurance, the insurance will pay for your medical treatment if you get sick. Of course, if you remain healthy, the premium you pay is gone, but to me that is a better alternative to getting sick and getting the benefits of the insurance police.

There are other types of insurance, and you can find out more about them from Insurance.

Insurance Broker

Insurance has expanded to a very diverse field dealing with all kinds of coverage. The one most people are familiar with is Life Insurance, but even with Life Insurance, there are many types. There is term insurance, return of premium term insurance, wholelife insurance, mortgage insurance, etc. Then there are motor insurance, public, employers' or product liability insurance, health insurance, fire insurance, homeowners' insurance, business insurance like key person insurance, business owner insurance, product liability insurance, errors and omissions insurance, business income insurance, etc. To add to the confusion, every insurance company have different terms and conditions and offer their coverage at different premium. There is also things like the reputation of the insurance company, do they pay compensation promptly or tend to avoid it, etc. Faced with all this, a person seeking to purchase an insurance policy will have a real headache.

This is where an insurance broker can help. An insurance broker acts as an intermediary between his client and the insurance companies, uses their wide knowledge of risks and the insurance market to find and arrange an insurance policy that fit the client's circumstances, requirements and at premium that is agreeable to the client.

If you happen to live in the Ontario region, you may want to look at Chatham-Kent Ontario Life Insurance Brokers. They may be able to help you out with your insurance requirements headache. Chatham-Kent Ontario Life Insurance Brokers don't just deal with Life Insurance. They also deal with Business Insurance and Auto and Home Insurance

Term Life Insurance and Business Insurance

Term Insurance

They say life hangs on a thread. Life is full of uncertainties, and while death is something that no one can avoid, it does not mean that everyone will live to a ripe old age for that to happen. One has to contend with sickness, accidents, all kinds of eventualities. If one is the family sole bread owner, or what is more common now, even if there are two person bringing in income for the family, the survivors suffer from a fall of standard of living or may even get into financial difficulties in the eventuality of a bread winner passing away if he/she has no life insurance. It is wise therefore for one who has dependents to purchase life insurance to protect the dependents.

What exactly is life insurance? It is essentially a contract between an insurance policy owner and the insurer, whereby the insurer agrees to pay a sum of money upon the policy owner's death. In return, the policy owner (or policy payer) agrees to pay an agreed amount called a premium at regular intervals or more rarely, in a lump sum.

There are all kinds of life insurance, but term life insurance, can be considered the purest form of life insurance. True term life insurance is like car insurance which is normally purchase for a year, but term life insurance are normally for longer periods, but both share the feature that if nothing happens to the insured, he/she gets nothing back. But is is also the insurance that requires the lowest premium.

However, it is not easy to persuade someone to purchase something which to him may just seem to be a piece of paper, and he/she will get nothing back in return if he survive the period. Thus "Return of Premium Term Insurance" (ROP) was born. For this, you pay a higher premium, but if nothing happens to you, you get back the premium you paid at the end of the insured period. It is a mixture of life insurance and savings. I you want to find out more about return of premium insurance, you can fill in this Contact Form.

Business Insurance - Key Person Insurance and Buy-Sell Insurance

It is not only life that is faced with uncertainties. Business is driven by hard work and ingenuity, but these are only some of the factors a business is dependent on. A disaster like fire, death of a key person on which a business depend on to bring in the business or run the business successfully, etc., can wipe out your business. To ensure a business can carry on minus the problems, one can also purchase business insurance like Key Person Insurance or Buy-Sell Insurance. You can get more information about them at Business Insurance: Key Person Insurance and Buy-Sell Agreements

Farmer Insurance - Don't Bet the Farm, Shield Yourself

Farmer Insurance - Don't Bet the Farm, Shield Yourself by Brooke Hayles

Farming is a massive operation. Having farmer insurance is most necessary when you consider all the risk involved in owning and running a farm. Farm insurance can help protect you from the loss of a bad crop or the unforeseen disaster of the loss of a heard. Tragedy strikes at inconvenient times, but thankfully there is protection available.



Regardless of whether you inherited your farming business through your family, or decided to take the plunge and start a farm, the costs involved are enormous and the loss of a crop due to frost or hail can be devastating. Farmer insurance acts as protection against complete financial ruin if the unforeseen happens. Not only are crops and animals at risk, but the equipment needed for operation is also very costly. The term 'farming' encompasses many types of farm operation; thankfully there is farmer insurance available for each source of revenue.



Farmer insurance covers many potential incidents. Not only does it cover many accidents that may occur on the farm, but it guards against possible litigation. For instance, a consumer could purchase a jar of your jam, get ill and then decide to sue your business. Farmer insurance not only helps cover you in this instance, but will represent you in court if need be. A common policy coverage also involves accidents while operating your farm equipment or performing farming duties. When you stop to think about it, there truly are many ways that a farm is endangered to liability.



Available Farmer Insurance



Before choosing farmer insurance there are factors that must be considered. The most important issue is the type of farm that you operate. Also, how is business commenced? It may be best to write a list and include how many people you employ, the amount and types of equipment that need to be insured and possible liabilities that worry you. The following is a general list of items that need to be insured when operating a farmer.



Crop Insurance: Crop-yield and crop revenue are big concerns to farmers. Since the outcome of the crop determines the livelihood of the entire farm, coverage for the crop is paramount. Farmer insurance generally covers loss due to natural causes. This may include bugs, pests and hazardous weather.



Farm Contents: Most farm equipment is quite costly and can run into the hundreds of thousands. You will want insurance that lists specific equipment individually and provides comprehensive coverage for your equipment. Some policies also cover loss of livestock because of electrocution.



Theft: Theft coverage is not limited to stolen machinery. Often time's theft on a farm involves livestock including cows, sheep, goats and hogs.



Employers Liability Insurance: If a farmer has one employee, he or she will need liability insurance. The employee needs not to be full-time, they can be an occasional work-hand, but accidents happen and this insurance will cover many potential liabilities.



Fatal Injury of Livestock: Many companies offer farmer insurance that covers the loss of an animal either while on the farm or even while in transit. If an animal dies coverage generally is available for a maximum amount per animal and a maximum per accident. Even working dogs, such as herding dogs, may be covered if fatally injured.



Sheep Coverage: This item helps to cover veterinary bills and loss of sheep due to injury or death.



Business Disruption: Farmer insurance will help protect a farmer when business costs either increase dramatically or profits are suddenly down due to unforeseen incidents.



Shipment of Goods: Your strawberries are safely on their way to market and boom, they're gone. A loss of income due to crop damage while in transit is protected with this coverage. Loss of livestock is not covered under this coverage since animals are covered separately.



Personal Accident Coverage: If an accident that leads to injury occurs on a farm, this coverage protects against this. As a farmer you are entitled to a settlement if an injury occurs that effects your ability to run the farm as needed.



Personal House and Contents: The farmer's residence and any additional buildings are covered. If specifically stated, the contents of the home may also be covered.



Summary:



When the protection of farm equipment, livestock and crops are in question, Farmer insurance must be purchased. Farmer insurance will safeguard against financial ruin due to unforeseen occurrences. Common coverage includes loss of income due to theft, crop failure and the death of livestock. A farmer's personal home and contents are often included with this insurance. Farming is an important line of work and there is insurance available to help protect not only the farm, but the owner.



Brooke Hayles

Check Out More Helpful Information About Farmer Insurance For FREE!

Visit Farmer Insurance Online Now!




Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net

Should Medical Students Consider Disability Insurance?

Should Medical Students Consider Disability Insurance? by Andy Puls

Last year the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) said that schools should require disability insurance for all medical students and provide access to policies. Medical students are particularly vulnerable to the financial hardships that may result from a disability. Disability insurance protects students from possible fiscal disaster and is also a prudent investment. Purchasing a policy while still in medical school presents tremendous advantages that can save students money after graduation, while protecting their financial future and providing the peace of mind necessary to focus on the demands of a career in medicine.



Most medical students do not generate income while in school, but instead accumulate debt at staggering rates. In 2005, medical school graduates who took out loans started their residencies with an average debt of $100,000, a figure that does not include undergraduate debt. Only the expected future income from a career in medicine makes such exorbitant debt palatable; however, a student that suffers a disability may never realize that income. According to the 1994 Statistical Abstract of the United States, in the course of a year, 1 in 10 people between the ages of 25 and 64 will suffer a disability. When comparing that ratio to the odds of being victim of a house fire (1 in 122); injured in an automobile accident (1 in 160); or even of death (1 in 117), the value and protection offered by disability insurance is clear.



A student who suffers a disability and is unable to complete their education will be saddled with student loan debt and may not be able to work in any field depending on the disability and its severity. Repayment of student loans combined with medical expenses and lack of income due to disability can destroy a financial future. Even a student that is able to continue medical school could face the burden of simultaneously repaying loans and paying tuition.



Aside from the obvious advantages disability insurance offers by minimizing the risk riding behind a medical student’s debt, there are other long-term advantages to purchasing a policy as a student instead of as a physician. A student purchasing a policy will likely get a lower rate than a physician. According to doctordisability.com, three factors determine disability insurance rates: age at the time of purchase, occupation, and health status. These factors tend to favor a student. Not only are students younger, but generally the health status of younger people is better than that of older people. Obtaining insurance at a younger age may also protect the policyholder from the difficulties of securing a policy later in life when other health issues may affect insurability.



A disability insurance policy also adapts to meet the changing needs of the insured. A Future Increase Option (FIO) Rider allows the policyholder optional future increases in coverage without providing evidence of medical insurability. The ability to increase coverage regardless of current health status is attractive to any policyholder, but the FIO Rider is also ideal for a student who wants to increase coverage upon graduation and the expectation of significant income. A policy purchased by a student before they take their first class in medical school can be flexible enough to last a career.



The protection, flexibility, and benefits the insured has by purchasing a disability insurance policy as a student are reflected by the stance that medical schools take. Dartmouth Medical School and the University of North Carolina School of Medicine mandate that all students have disability insurance. While in some states it is illegal to require students to have a disability insurance policy, most medical schools at least recommend that all their students have it. In 2006, the University of Washington School of Medicine was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of only three schools in the top 10 for both research and primary care. Their office of student affairs and services says it is “advisable” to have disability insurance in light of the cost of education and risks associated with practicing medicine. The school offers its students a plan, but in general, group plans come with limitations and restrictions.



The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) is the sole accrediting authority for medical education programs leading to the M.D. degree in the United States. Accreditation standard MS-28 states, “all students must have access to disability insurance.” Simply allowing access to disability insurance—a minimal requirement placed on accredited medical schools—or even recommending it, is not enough to save students from the risks of not protecting their future income. In light of the monetary investment that students make to medical schools, it should be the responsibility of each school to promote and educate its students about the benefits, value, and importance of disability insurance.



Andy Puls is a freelance writer for Doctor Disability Insurance. For More information, visit Physician Disability



Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net

How To Protect Your Family Finances With A Life Insurance Policy

How To Protect Your Family Finances With A Life Insurance Policy by Simon Christopher

A simple term life insurance policy is one of the most effective ways to protect your family and financial dependents against the premature death of the main breadwinner.



Like any insurance, price tends to drive the purchase of life cover before the quality of a policy and its ultimate suitability are considered. But focusing too much on the monthly cost is not always the best way to measure good value cover.



A good example of this is often found when buying term life insurance which provides a number of policy options including two types of premium, guaranteed or reviewable. Guaranteed premiums are, as the name suggests, fixed and guaranteed by the insurance company not to increase. Whereas, reviewable premiums are subject to regular reviews, usually every five years and can be increased at the insurer’s discretion. Yes, guaranteed premiums are more expensive than reviewable rates but they should be seriously considered, especially if you intend to take out a policy for ten years or more. This is because the amount of each potential premium review increase is likely to rise the older you get.



In reality, a more accurate guide to the best value cover is to match the right policy to your need for protection. Another good example is the popularity of lump sum cover when applying for a life insurance policy for family protection. A lump sum plan is fine if you need to provide large sums to pay off debts such as a mortgage. True family protection is more about ensuring that an income is provided to replace that lost on the death of the main income earner. When a lump sum policy is used for family protection the potential problem is how to generate the required income from the lump sum. Where should it be invested for maximum return and will the income generated be subject to tax? Plus will it be sufficient to meet the financial needs of the surviving dependants?



In many cases, a more suitable solution is protection that’s designed to pay a regular income to the end of the required term. Also known as Family Income Benefit this cover has many advantages over it's lump sum alternative. One of it's major pluses is that it’s usually cheaper than a like for like lump sum policy as the risk to the insurance company decreases over the policy term. For example, a 20 year level term assurance plan for £100,000 will cost the insurance company £100,000 if a claim is paid at any time up until the end of the policy term.



Compare this to a Family Income Benefit policy providing an annual income benefit of £10,000 over the same 20 year term which could potentially cost the insurer £200,000 if a claim was made shortly after inception. In practice this is unlikely so the risk to the insurer decreases with each year the policy remains in force. If a claim was made at year 10 the insurer would have to pay the annual income for the next 10 years at a lower cost of £100,000.



Another feature of Family Income Benefit is that the annual income can be paid on an increasing or indexed basis if selected from inception. The effect of this option is that the real value of the cover is maintained and not eroded by inflation over time.



So overall, Family Income Benefit can be an almost perfect solution to protecting your dependents financially from the premature death of a vital family breadwinner. Not only is it often the cheapest form of family protection but also currently provides the annual income benefit totally free of tax.



To Summarise:-



•If you can afford it, choose guaranteed premiums

•Consider if an income benefit would be more suitable



© Copyright 2006 Life Saver. All rights reserved. Life Saver provides instant online life insurance quotes comparing discount term life insurance premiums from nineteen UK life insurers.




Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net

Travel Insurance for Cruising Or Other Adventures, Yes or No?

Travel Insurance for Cruising Or Other Adventures, Yes or No? by Mary Hanna

Travel insurance for your cruise vacation is an optional expense. The cruise lines will offer you an insurance policy but it will usually be more expensive than other outlets. Your travel agent should know all the options that are available to choose from. Included here are some tips on how to obtain insurance, why you need it and the way to collect on your insurance if you have a claim.



I recommend spending the extra money on insurance. You never know what will happen since in most cases you have booked you cruise months in advance. You may arrive at your destination feeling fine and a couple of days later fall sick or sustain an injury.



For example, on one trip we took to London, I became extremely ill. Because we had the insurance we were able to get a doctor to our hotel room within an hour. All we had to do was call an 800 number in the Unites States and they took care of the rest of the arrangements, and this was on Christmas Eve! To say the least, this was a huge relief since we were in a foreign country and didn’t know anything about their medical facilities. Because we had purchased the trip insurance we got immediate medical care and we were reimbursed by the insurance company for all out our of pocket expenses when we returned home.



We’ve been on many trips where people have sustained broken bones. Usually it was due to their own foolishness, but since they had the trip insurance they were covered. This especially becomes an issue if you have to be airlifted to the nearest medical center. On a cruise we took through the Baltic Sea, a woman suffered a stomach aneurysm and had to be taken by helicopter to a medical trauma center in Norway. I don’t know if she had the insurance but I sure hope so. After experiencing things like these you can see why I recommend taking out a trip insurance policy.



Understand that the ships do have doctors, nurses and infirmaries. But they are only for the non emergency medical procedures like a cold or flu. They also have set up emergency medical contacts in all the destinations in case a situation is beyond their capabilities. They even have recommended dentists in each port of call.



If you do have a problem, keep all receipts from any incident and when you get home make copies, and then send the originals to the insurance company. Your health care carrier in the United States does not always cover you once you leave the country. I know for a fact that Blue Cross and Blue Shield do not.



Read the fine lines carefully. Good trip insurance will cover trip cancellation, trip delay, medical, accident, emergency evacuation, or default by the cruise lines. Although default is a remote possibility, it has happened and by having the insurance cover all of the above, you will be stress free. (Default means the cruise company abruptly goes out of business while you are on the cruise or declares bankruptcy before you take your cruise.)



There a few things that you should know about when taking out trip insurance. If you are a mature traveler make sure the insurance covers pre-existing conditions. There may be times when an airline delay can cause you to miss your ship. The insurance should pay to get you to the next port so you can board the ship at that destination. Anything could happen and with trip insurance you are prepared. I cannot stress enough to read the fine print before you purchase trip insurance from any company, be it private or from the cruise lines.



Put the copies of the receipts that you send to the insurance company in your date book about a month out from the date you sent them to the Insurer. If you have not heard anything by that time, call them. They are notorious at dragging their feet. You will get it, but it might take time and a little bit of persistence.



To get more information on Travel Insurance Companies, email me at the address below.



Follow these suggestions and you will have a stress free cruise knowing that you are covered for all eventualities.



Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.



This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.



Mary Hanna has cruised the world on almost all of the top cruise lines. After over 60 cruises she has decided to compile her expertise into an e-Book for either first time or seasoned cruisers. Mary has written other eBooks, Software Reviews (for people who are technically challenged like her) and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com, http://www.WebMarketingReviews.com, http://www.CruiseravelDirectory.com or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing.com




Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net

Dirty Little Secret of Workers Compensation Insurance

Dirty Little Secret of Workers Compensation Insurance by Charles J. Read

Workers Compensation Insurance agents are paid commission based on the size of your company premium. The bigger the premium you pay the bigger your agent's commission. Your agent may never cause your premium to go up unnecessarily but has he done everything he can to reduce it and reduce his commission?



The first workers compensation law was enacted in the United States in 1911 by the State of Wisconsin. By 1948, every state had some form of "workman's comp." Basically this is a government mandated social insurance pact between employers and employees. Employers are forced to cover medical care and provide wage replacement for employees hurt on the job: in return workers compensation benefits becomes the only remedy available for workers. Even though courts have upheld this concept for almost one hundred years occasionally in cases of bad faith courts have over ridden this exclusive remedy.



Workers compensation is compulsory insurance in every state but Texas. With some few exceptions, all employers are mandated by law to carry workers compensation insurance.



Workers Compensation Insurance premium is calculated by how employees are classified by their specific work and the rate assigned to each employee classification.



Workers Compensation insurers attach a premium rate to each employee classification code. These rates must normally be approved by the state insurance regulatory agency in the state the policy is in effect in. Agency approval of the rate is based on numerous items. One of the items taken into account is adequacy of the rate. Rates must be adequate to maintain the financial condition of an insurance company. Adequate rates allow the insurance company to maintain surplus to meet current and future claims..



The classification code and its corresponding premium rate are part of the formula. The premium rate itself is expressed as dollars and cents per $100 dollars of payroll. The payroll for each classification code is estimated and then each $100 is multiplied by the rate. The calculated amount is the base premium. The base premium is then modified (change up or down) using rating plans and experience modification.



The experience modification is calculated from losses that the company has reported in the past.

The insurance company used a government-approved formula to calculate an experience modification for each employer. The formula looks at paid losses, reserves necessary for claim made and payroll amounts for the past three years (usually). The experience modification shows average loss experience of employers with similar classified employees and works as a way to compare employers. The experience modification is added to the class rate, along with any other modifications and an estimated premium rate is created. This is called prospective rating and is the most commonly utilized rate plan.



The total premium for a workers compensation insurance policy is not certain until the policy period is complete and all payroll has been reported.



Now you know how the rates are calculated what is the "Dirty Little Secret"? In thirty years of working with companies I have never gone into a company of any size and found that its employees are correctly classified. The classification process is many times as much of an art as it is a science. Different people can look at the same job and classify it differently sometimes with extremely different results to the premium. Many classification titles are very similar but with much different rates. There are many jobs that don't have a specific classification but have to be fitted into something that makes sense. If the insurance company decides the classification do you think it will be the best possible choice for the employers lowest premium?



If an employer is not only knowledgeable but also aggressive about classifications who is going to see to it that they are the lowest possible premium rates. The insurance company makes more money out of higher premium rate classifications. The risk to the insurance company does not rise if the employee is misclassify into a classification that commands a premium rate of say $10.13 per $100 of payroll as say a rate of $1.01 per $100 of payroll. The insurance company just makes ten times as much revenue. If there is a claim it will be paid at the same amount regardless of what the premium was.



The insurance agent that supposedly has the employer's interest at heart makes ten times the commission if an employee is misrated as in the paragraph above. Is he going to take his time, energy and effort to deliberately cut his commissions by suggesting rate changes over his company's objection?



If as an employer you don't have an intimate knowledge of classification and ratings you need to either get the knowledge or hire someone who has it. You can't trust your agent to be objective about this. You are talking about taking money out of his pocket and out of the pocket of people that pay him. You don't pay him the insurance company does. It pays him a commission on what he sells you. Not necessarily on what you need. Your agent may be doing a bang up job but wouldn't you like to be sure?




Charles J. Read, CPA has been in the payroll, accounting and tax business for 30 years, the last fifteen in private practice.
Mr. Read is the author of “How to Start a New Business.”

To find professional payroll service at a budget price go to www.PayrollonaBudget.com a paperless payroll company.

For a full service payroll bureau with CPA’s on staff visit www.CustomPayroll.com .

See an excerpt of Mr. Read’s interviews from William Shatners “Heartbeat of America” television show on the web sites linked above.




Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net

Long Term Care Insurance: Who to Trust?

Long Term Care Insurance: Who to Trust? by Clay Cotton

A contract is a contract, and a long term care insurance company has the right and responsibility to follow it's policy's wording to the letter. Buyers BEWARE! Companies can "interpret" vague wording in their favor. So, it's a very good idea to enlist the expertise of an insurance coverage contract lawyer in the very beginning, rather than waiting until being denied. Just know that lawyers are pricey, so be prepared to spend some extra cash for this last step.



Unless you are well versed in contract law and know the in's and out's of the insurance industry's language, do not supposed that you are smarter than your long term care insurance company's lawyers. Make sure you know what you are buying.



Checking policy wording with a contract lawyer who knows the long term care insurance lingo while also making sure you have a competent and compassionate long term care insurance broker in your corner is the best of both worlds.



Brokers can be very helpful, as long as they are consumer-focused, however they are not trained in law. Even Clay's long term care insurance mentor/trainer, who had years of experience, was caught unaware a few times. After believing a policy's wording meant that it promised coverage under certain circumstances, Charlie was devastated and infuriated to learn that a client's claim was questioned. Charlie wasn't a lawyer, and in good faith he believed what the insurance company had alluded to during his training. Maybe he was too trusting. His training was about sales, not about specific wording in a particular policy and the legal ramifications of such wording for his clients.



However, IF a long term care insurance company tries to deny your claim, your broker can go to bat for you arguing in your behalf. Charlie did this for his clients and he won. Often a broker can push a claim through, when a consumer cannot. They can't argue law, but some do have "pull". This is especially true if the broker is an long term care insurance company's top producer. The company doesn't want to upset the broker and risk losing future sales, even if they are vaguely within their rights to deny a claim. (I say vaguely, because some policies are vague in their wording. )



So, if you do need assistance getting your claim approved, you might want to see if your broker can help before spending money on a lawyer. Please note: There may be time limitations pertaining to filing an appeal or contesting an insurance company's denial of claim/benefits. If you think your claim has been unjustly denied, do not delay. Act right away.



In most cases, your broker can become your best friend during "claims time". Coming face to face with a long term care situation can be an incredibly stressful and emotional time, both for the person needing care, as well as for family members.



NOTE: Read your policy to see if you will need to file your claim within a certain amount of time. Some policies require written notice within 30 -90 days from the verification of disability.



Call your long term care insurance agent as soon as you need to receive benefits. A conscientious broker will assist you with your claim. Agents should consider it part of their job. Some agents may even go the extra mile by helping you fill out your paperwork and making sure it gets filed in time.



It's good to know that you have a trusted broker to lean on during what may be a confusing and heart-wrenching time.



Long term care insurance activist, Clay Cotton, writes for http://www.PrepSmart.com - The Online Baby Boomers Decision Assistance Center, where you get Free Long Term Care Insurance advice, comparative rate quotes and personal guidance, all while safely at home in your favorite pajamas and bunny slippers.




Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net

Tips To Choosing The Right Auto Insurance Company

Tips To Choosing The Right Auto Insurance Company by Andrew Daigle

Are you in the market for better auto insurance rates? Or, perhaps you are simply looking for a new auto insurance company? Whatever your reason for shopping around, now is the perfect time to request auto insurance quotes from several companies who are more than eager to earn your patronage. In fact, many companies will compete for your business by way of auto insurance rates.



Your first step to choosing the right auto insurance company is to consider the type of coverage that you need. For instance, if you have a less than perfect driving record or past credit problems, you may want to compare auto insurance costs from companies who specialize in giving customers a second chance to earn discount auto insurance. If you own more than one vehicle, you may find that some auto insurance companies will offer cheap auto insurance rates in exchange for becoming your exclusive provider. In other words, transferring all of your policies to one company may result in discount auto insurance at its best.



The next step in choosing an auto insurance company is to look for one that rewards customers based on a good driving record. One of the keys to a respectable auto insurance company is flexibility when it comes to coverage selection and incentives to promote better and more responsible driving. In addition to comparing auto insurance rates and plans, take the time to review the auto insurance company's policy on discount auto insurance rates for those with a safe driving record.



It's important to realize that auto insurance rates vary from one area to the next. For instance, Pennsylvania auto insurance may be less expensive than New York auto insurance or vice versa. Regardless of where you live, however, most will agree that auto insurance is expensive and it's essential that you compare auto insurance rates to ensure that you are getting what you pay for. A good auto insurance company, for instance, will offer various deductibles, competitive auto insurance rates and some type of coverage that allows for the temporary payment of medical bills in the event that you ever become involved in an auto accident. If you are injured as a result of another motorist's negligence, many auto insurance companies will pay for your medical bills and later seek reimbursement from the faulty individual(s). This is a great relief to many, especially those who may not otherwise have health insurance.



As a final thought to choosing an auto insurance company that offers the best auto insurance rate, free auto insurance quotes and/or a flexible program that can be customized to fit your individual needs, simply take the time to shop around and compare auto insurance from more than one company prior to making a final decision.



The information in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional financial or insurance advice relating to auto insurance quotes, discount auto insurance or auto insurance rates. For additional information or to receive an auto insurance quote, contact a local auto insurance company.



Andrew Daigle is the owner, creator and author of many successful websites including Free Auto Insurance Quotes, an auto insurance company research site and a Low Loan Rates site for finding the best rates for personal loans, payday loans, student loans and more for your financial needs.



Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net

Beginner’s Guide to Auto Insurance

Beginner’s Guide to Auto Insurance by rail inton

Everything starts from nothing… well yeah, I thin so. It’s just that someone or something made some actions about it, that’s why something had happened to that nothing. Those actions primarily start from the basic. Even in the dictionary, the word “basic’ comes before “complex”. But logically, everybody must learn first the fundamentals before the complexity of a thing. Like in the auto insurance. Here is the primary thing you should know to get best insurance would suit your lifestyle.



Many people think that they only need auto insurance so they can get their registration and tag and then be able to drive their car. It is something that they need because their license will be suspended if they don’t get it. Some people even think it’s just a bother to them because they don’t get into accident or that they are good drivers.



Oftentimes people will call to the insurance companies and will ask for the cheapest insurance policy or the one that is only required. They only become aware of what coverage they have when they need it, like when they need to make a claim.



You should always have as much insurance as you can afford to carry. Having too little is never good and if you have insurance you cannot afford is not any better too. A policy that is cancelled due to non0payment does you no good at all.



Florida is a no-fault state. If you have the proper state required coverage, you will be protected by the no-fault law. If you are in an accident whether you are at fault or not at fault, you will go through your own personal injury coverage for your medical expenses for the first $10,000. If you do not have at least a minimum insurance then you will not be protected and may be subject to paying for the injuries of the other people you hurt in the accident.



There are different types of coverage that could meet your insurance needs. Each of them has a proper purpose and you can select whatever type would suit you.



Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage are the minimum insurance in the state of Florida. Personal Injury Protection or P.I.P covers medical, hospital and funeral expenses up to the limits. It also covers others in your vehicle and pedestrians struck by your car. Property Damage liability covers if your vehicle damages another person’s property. Car, house, motorcycle, etc are the example of properties that would be covered.



Bodily Injury Liability is another important coverage. It covers other people’s injury or death that you are responsible for up to the limits you purchase. Though it is not required by Florida for state minimum insurance, it satisfies another law called the Financial Responsibility Law. It states that your license may be suspended if you are not financially responsible at the time of and at fault accident where someone gets injured or property damage occurs. By filing an SR-22, you may be able to get you license back. This form shows to the stated you are now carrying Bodily Injury Coverage and are now financially responsible. Usually you must carry this for 3 years with no lapses coverage.



Another common insurance people ask are the Full Coverage. Well, this is not an insurance coverage. Most people only know that their car dealers or bank wants Full Coverage so they ask for it. Actually, Comprehensive and Collision Coverage are what these companies look for. Collision covers repairs when your vehicle hits or is hit by another vehicle. It will also pay up to the book value of the vehicle at the time of a loss if it is destroyed. On the other hand, Comprehensive cover for loss caused by other circumstances other than collision like flood, theft, fir or animal damage. It also covers total losses up to the book value of the vehicle.



Medical and Uninsured Motorist are also other types of coverage. Your medical costs and your passengers injured in an accident are covered by the Medical coverage. Uninsured Motorist covers injuries to you and your passengers when the other person in the accident is at fault, but does not have enough insurance.

Author Info:

Roger Ricafort Maintain the following sites: Personal Loans, Site review, cancer studies




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Term Insurance: Can You Afford Not to Have It?

Term Insurance: Can You Afford Not to Have It? by David McEvoy

Losing a family member can create both emotional and financial hardship on the entire family - whereas having a secure life insurance plan can help mitigate the costs involved. This is a benefit with both short and long-term plans. As you plan for your future, learning about the value and extensive benefits of your life insurance policies can help you maximize your investment.



Term life insurance can help your family with any costs in the event that you pass away, and can help minimize the risks involved with financial hardship on loved ones. When a key family member passes, their employment benefits cease to exist. Although some employers extend special insurance coverage to the employee's immediate family, this may not be enough to cover long-term needs and expenses.



Term insurance is commonly known as a ‘pure' form of life insurance because it only covers the insured for a specific period of time. The insurance policies will expire after a certain date, making sure that the policy holder's family and immediate beneficiaries are covered completely. It can help to protect a family's financial standing, or make money immediately available for children's college education or living expenses.



Determining Term Insurance Coverage



If you invest in a term insurance plan, you'll need to consider the length and type of the policy you want to invest in. The insurance policy is a legal document, and each type of insurance will vary by state or country. Term insurance is an affordable way to cover any potential risks in your future years; if you have numerous dependents, you really cannot afford not to have it. The best coverage for your family will depend on how many assets you own; if these are not valuable enough to provide cash after a sale, your family can be at a severe financial risk. Another factor to consider is whether you require a death benefit for a business. Any outlying businesses will require some form of coverage in the event that you are no longer the owner. Ultimately, term insurance is designed for complete financial protection in the event that you pass away.



Annual Renewable and Level Term Insurance



The beneficiaries of your insurance proceeds will receive the funds free of federal and state income taxes. The money can be used for any expenses, costs, and even pay off some debts such as a mortgage or outstanding revolving accounts. Term insurance can be renewed each year, while other premium policies can be extended for a specific period of time. Annual renewable term policies are ideal for short-term needs and the premiums will fluctuate each year upon renewal. However, this may become unaffordable if it is started too early. A level premium term life insurance plan may be a better option, since this will cover the insured for a set of years: 10, 15, or 20 years at a time will be covered at a set rate so there will not be any fluctuations in payments. Renewals may require an evidence of insurability, but you will have a chance to take advantage of more favorable rates.



Key Benefits of Term Insurance



A number of benefits exist for term insurance policies, and finding an affordable plan can help minimize the costs involved with alternative options such as permanent life insurance. Key benefits of term insurance include:



• Beneficiaries are paid the face value of the policy when the insured dies during the term

• Term insurance generally costs less than permanent life insurance plans and policies, making it more affordable in the long-term

• Some policies are renewable and may even be converted to a permanent insurance status

• A level term life insurance policy can last up to 30 years

• A higher cash value after proceeds are distributed to beneficiaries



Death benefits are not paid at the end of the term, so establishing the right amount of the policy is important during the selection process. Term insurance is the simplest and easiest type of insurance available. Most have a renewable feature that will allow you to increase the premium if any health concerns or life changes occur, and locking in a secure rates becomes much easier. Qualifying for various policies can be challenging, but once the medical evaluation is completed, the physical examination will easily approve a certificate of insurability.



What Term Insurance Proceeds May Be Used For



Once the insured has passed away and the beneficiaries receive the proceeds, term insurance can be used for a variety of purposes that can maintain your family's financial health and protect them from hardship. Common uses for proceeds may include:



• Paying off a mortgage

• Setting up a retirement fund for a spouse

• Covering children's school and college expenses

• Paying off debts such as credit cards or auto loans

• Purchasing stocks for long-term investments

• Covering business expenses

• Cover health costs of immediate family members

• Pay for personal expenses



For more information about life insurance please come and visit our site which is packed full of useful links and tips. http://www.information73.com



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Pay as you drive, the best car insurance deal

Pay as you drive, the best car insurance deal by Kirthy

Pay As You Drive commonly known as PAYD, has set a revolution in the car insurance. You can now save money by driving less. Usually, the insurance trend is low mileage drivers receive minimal discounts for driving less. Not any more. With Pay As You Drive you get a financial incentive for driving less. It also reduces driving and congestion by 10 to 12% approximately.



It is an innovative concept related to car insurance which is calculated per mile you travel. PAYD links insurance polices to an odometer instead of just the date on the calendar. PAYD offers dual purpose, it provides opportunity to all drivers to save money and at the same time protect the environment.



Such PAYD insurance is more cost-effective and affordable as it gives every driver a greater control over his premiums. And low mileage drivers like a carpooler, low-wage earner etc. subsidize high mileage driver.



The technology that has revolutionized the car insurance is GPS(Global Positioning System). This enables to gauge monthly insurance premiums on the basis of where you drive and how often you drive. So the monthly premiums is based on the individual’s driving habits rather than others.



Take greater control over your premiums by settling down with a fair deal!



In addition to the above benefits, it allows you to have a volley of some in-car features. You gain access to your personal assistant with the help of 24/7 Assistance button which offers support in case of some inevitabilities such as an accident or a break down. A driver who gets covered under PAYD, also gets a 30 day free trial of a speed camera detection and a satellite navigation. On completion of this free trial period, you can purchase which ever best suited you.



PAYD resulted out of a research with which it was evident that low-mileage drivers are a large untapped market. Pay-as-you-drive insurance is as simple as buying gasoline. Drive less and Pay less. A driver covered under this insurance will get a per mile rate which is also based on other rating factors currently in vogue. It could be the geographic location, vehicle type and the driver’s crash history.

In some countries like Arizona, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania, there’s a new mileage discount program which is designed in collaboration with both GMAC Insurance and Onstar vehicle service. All those drivers with a GM Vehicle and an OnStar service can earn an additional discount based on the miles they drive. The discount offered would be quite significant if the vehicle mileage is less.

From an environmentalist point of view such an insurance motivates one to drive less and thus reduce air pollution and other climate impacts.



Kirthy Vijay,Expert writer on bankruptcy.Log ontoHome owner personal loan



Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net

Credit History & Auto Insurance: How One Can Save You Big Bucks On The Other

Credit History & Auto Insurance: How One Can Save You Big Bucks On The Other by Andrew Daigle

Your credit history can influence your ability to get a loan or a credit card, but did you also know that it can play a large role in the cost of your car insurance? It can. In fact, poor credit can result in higher auto insurance rates regardless of your past driving history. When you apply for coverage from an auto insurance company, you will likely be required to sign a release giving the company permission to access your credit file. If you want the best auto insurance rate possible, it's time to start cleaning up that credit report.



Your first step to cheap auto insurance is to check your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies, including TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Closely review all information contained in each report, including both payment history and contact information. If there are any inaccuracies, file a dispute with the reporting agency immediately and await correction. In most cases, this takes less than two weeks.



You may be wondering why your credit history would play such a crucial role in how much you pay for auto insurance rates. When you apply for this type of coverage, you are asking the auto insurance company to put their trust in both you and your driving ability. By applying for coverage, you are agreeing to pay a premium and, in the event of an accident, a deductible. Your past credit history will give the auto insurance company an idea as to how you will handle your car insurance payments.



It's important to note that even with a few blemishes in your credit history, it is still possible to compare auto insurance rates and even find discount auto insurance if you know where to shop. Many auto insurance companies realize that past credit history is, well, in the past. If you have a less than perfect financial history, don't hesitate to explain your situation to the auto insurance company and let them go to work to find you the best auto insurance rate available.



If you have a credit report that needs improving, you can begin to see positive results in as little as three months. Avoid carrying a credit card balance that exceeds 50% of your total available credit, always pay your bills on time and pay more than the minimum payment if/when possible. After several months of regular payments, your credit report and score will begin to improve. What does this mean for your auto insurance rates? As your credit score goes up, your auto insurance rates may go down. One of the best ways to find the best provider for your needs is through obtaining several auto insurance quotes, compare rates and choosing the best one that offers a customizable plan.



The information in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional financial or insurance advice relating to auto insurance quotes, discount auto insurance or auto insurance rates. For additional information or to receive an auto insurance quote, contact a local auto insurance company.



Andrew Daigle is the owner, creator and author of many successful websites including Free Auto Insurance Quotes, an auto insurance company research site and a Low Loan Rates site for finding the best personal loan, payday loans, student loans and more for your financial needs.



Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net

Recourse For California Workers Exposed to Harmful Asbestos<

Recourse For California Workers Exposed to Harmful Asbestos by Nick Johnson

California companies responsible for toxic exposure to asbestos have no recourse in the eyes of the public. Many people feel that the ignorant and careless nature of asbestos exposure is not compensable regardless of how high the awards are.



Asbestos exposure is simply inexcusable. Asbestos is the only cause of the deadly lung lining cancer known as Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is diagnosed annually in approximately 3000 new patients. Mesothelioma carries nearly a 100% death rate.



Asbestos exposure is also responsible for the lung disease known as asbestos, and can significantly contribute to the contraction of lung cancers. The government has dabbled their hands in Mesothelioma and asbestos law and is slowly concluding that victims of asbestos exposure and Mesothelioma aren't necessarily entitled to high jury awards or Mesothelioma settlements.



The proposed Mesothelioma and asbestos laws would prohibit people from suing for asbestos related illnesses. These laws would protect big business as well as governmental agencies from asbestos related lawsuits and leave victims of Mesothelioma and other asbestos related illnesses to file with the government once they are no longer able to financially care for their responsibilities for nominal governmental compensation.



This would be a serious violation of basic human rights as well as an insult to the American worker. It would be the hope of the vast majority that our government would think twice before condemning Mesothelioma victims to such an atrocious sentence.



The passing of laws which prohibit Mesothelioma and asbestos related illness victim from collecting compensation may very well have a much larger effect on big business than anticipated. Often the threat of a Mesothelioma lawsuit, which has the potential to wipe out large companies if they are sued multiple times, helps to keep big business in line when it comes to asbestos exposure.



Taking that threat away from big business means that they are simply required to be within governmental standards and be courteous enough to their employees to avoid infecting them with a fatal disease. How long would the government anticipate it would take to notice a rise of Mesothelioma cases?



Unfortunately the disease can lay dormant in the body for ten to forty years, which means that often people come down with Mesothelioma without being 100% positive where they contracted the disease or where the asbestos exposure existed in their work history. While this can complicate a Mesothelioma lawsuit, it doesn't terminate it.



California mesothelioma lawsuits often hit one company in succession. If three employees from twenty years ago are diagnosed with Mesothelioma, all three have the right to sue.



This creates a spiraling effect that may prevent future Mesothelioma lawsuits from receiving their day in court. This presents a serious problem for future Mesothelioma victims. There is not an unlimited supply of funds to cover the costs of multiple lawsuits, and insurance companies and big business alike are in danger of closing their doors due to bankruptcy.



That means if the fourth Mesothelioma victim hasn't been diagnosed or filed a Mesothelioma lawsuit at that time, there is not enough money left for him or her to receive their fair share. Part of this is due to exorbitant jury awards and very high California mesothelioma settlements.



These two factors have led to an increase in Mesothelioma lawsuits, although there is a much higher percentage of people filing Mesothelioma lawsuits and negotiating Mesothelioma settlements that are not sick and have received no diagnosis. And they are winning against big business.



Juries are awarding Mesothelioma awards based on the risk presented by the exposure to asbestos that has been able to be proven. There are two sides to this very unusual coin. Asbestos companies are still being held accountable for their irresponsible and careless attitude toward their employees, but those who are filing Mesothelioma lawsuits before being diagnosed with Mesothelioma or another form of asbestos illness are taking money away from those who are definitely diagnosed with Mesothelioma.



There is a great debate about the morality of filing a Mesothelioma lawsuit without being diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, yet if the exposure risk was high enough that Mesothelioma is likely, waiting too long may very well mean that no funds will be allocated to cover the California mesothelioma cases that come forth thereafter.



This creates a personal predicament for every individual who has been significantly exposed to asbestos. For each individual who lives under the threat of a future case of Mesothelioma or other asbestos related disease, whether or not to file a premature Mesothelioma lawsuit is only an question they can answer for themselves.



Nick Johnson is lead counsel and founding partner of Johnson Law Group. Johnson represents plaintiffs in many states and focuses on injury cases involving all types of Mesothelioma. Call 1-888-311-5522 today or visit http://www.nickjohnsonlaw.com for a free case evaluation.



Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net

California Mesothelioma Lawsuits, Mesothelioma Claims and Insurance Companies

California Mesothelioma Lawsuits, Mesothelioma Claims and Insurance Companies by Nick Johnson

Insurance companies don't like to pay for things, and if there is any way around their obligation to foot the bill, they will. That is how they stay in business. They need to have a large percentage of money coming in and a very small percentage going out. Insurance adjustors are not humanitarians, they are business people. California mesothelioma claims are a huge liability in the eyes of the insurance companies.



California mesothelioma lawsuits run the risk of drying up the insurance companies limited resources. Juries are willing to award victims of Mesothelioma and their families large amounts of money based on the company's previous knowledge of the asbestos exposure, which is the sole proven cause for it.



Nearly all California mesothelioma lawsuits are filed by people who have held laborious positions all their life, including factory workers, those in the automotive industry, demolition crews, and construction crews. These men and women worked hard every day of their lives and in so many cases the company was well aware of the asbestos risks and did little or nothing to inform or protect their employees.



It's just another example of the wealthy taking advantage of the average. Juries listen to testimony and more often than not are willing to award excessive sums of money to the victims of Mesothelioma. Insurance companies are then forced to pay the claims, only in much higher amounts than would have been necessary had they simply paid the initial claim.



Insurance companies have much more stringent requirements than juries. Insurance companies have the right to initially deny claims until they are forced to pay. Juries are asked to form opinions based solely on reasonable doubt and presented evidence. Juries are fallible. Juries come with their own thoughts and feelings and experiences that create the filters in which they hear evidence being presented.



A jury reviewing a Mesothelioma case that is comprised of upper echelon and society's elite is likely to award nominal sums for cases than a jury comprised of laborers, artists, and retirees reviewing the same Mesothelioma case.



Mesothelioma has had enough press that most people recognize that it is caused by asbestos and typically can only be ignored by the people who hold a position of power. Asbestos laws are not stringent enough to prevent future cases of Mesothelioma. People with annual income of less than $75,000 are more likely to identify with victims than those with annual incomes over $100,000. Those who fall in between are likely to hear the case for what it is.



The insurance companies aren't willing to place their financial future in the hands of juries quite so readily any longer, and legislation is continually making it more difficult for hard working middle to lower class people to present their Mesothelioma cases in court.



More often than not, insurance companies have various rules in place that protect them. Speaking to a California mesothelioma lawyer immediately after diagnosis even if you have not yet decided to file a lawsuit is recommended. Should you choose to file, the lawyer has already advised you of the basic requirements necessary to continue with the filing of the Mesothelioma lawsuit.



Without this information, it is possible to make an innocent mistake that can cost you the right to your benefits. The insurance company is willing to work very hard to deny you the basic coverage under asbestos related laws, it only make sense to respond with someone working hard on your side to protect your rights against insurance company regulations. It is not a disease that can be contracted by a poor diet or unhealthy habits. Mesothelioma has been proven to be caused only by prolonged exposure to asbestos.



Whether you are not receiving fair benefits or treatment from your insurance company in regards to your Mesothelioma or not, you may be able to file a lawsuit. It is possible that you are entitled to many benefits that you are unaware of. Unfortunately, it is a crippling and terminal disease.



Often in these cases there are more benefits available to the victim within their rights provided by the law than they are aware of, and it is not likely that the insurance company is going to make the offer. A qualified California mesothelioma lawyer can fully explain the benefits available to you and your family in a much more user friendly fashion than even the best insurance company.



Nick Johnson is lead counsel and founding partner of Johnson Law Group. Johnson represents plaintiffs throughout California and focuses on injury cases involving Mesothelioma. Visit http://www.nickjohnsonlaw.com or call 1-888-311-5522 immediately to request a free case evaluation.



Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net

Things Insurance Companies and Judges Don't Want You to Know About Personal Injury Claims

Things Insurance Companies and Judges Don't Want You to Know About Personal Injury Claims by Arnold Hernandez

The number of secrets behind the closed doors of insurance companies and judge's changers are enormous. This is only the tip of the iceberg.



1. Delay, Delay, Delay. A common strategy of insurance companies when a person suffers a car accident or truck accident injury is to delay your case as much as possible. This before a lawsuit and after a lawsuit. The reason for the delay is to discourage claimants from pursuing a claim, to hurt the claimant's case, and to keep the money as long as possible.



Delay can be effective in decreasing the number of car accident claimants that pursue a claim. The strategy often works in other type of claims as well including car accident property damage, fire damage a home, or water damage to a home, or other claims. In my experience the number of claimants that give up on a case is small, but for an insurance company the tiny number adds up quickly and can mean millions in unpaid claims.



Soon after an accident some insurance companies call the victim and request a recorded statement. They often tell the accident victim not to worry, because they will pay for everything. The adjuster will often guide the case along and keep reassuring the claimant.



When the statute of limitations the insurance carrier would inform the claimant that they would not pay anything. Most claimants did not have the time to find an attorney to represent them and attorneys often decline to accept cases on a rush basis. When California had a one year statute of limitations the strategy often worked well and claimants often lost their case, especially the ones that wanted to avoid hiring an attorney.



Contact with the car accident victim and reassuring the car accident injury victim is means of harming the claimants case. I have had instances when claimants call me two or three months after the fact seeking representation for medical treatment. The common reason for why no medical treatment was sought is that they believed the insurance company would assign them to a doctor or send them a check.



In one case two weeks after the car accident, the claimant had suffered some serious injuries, but he really believed the insurance company would take care of everything and kept checking his mailbox for a check. He even decided to check his mailbox one last time before hiring my firm, convinced a check would be arriving so he could go see the doctor. The reason the insurance companies do this is to keep car accident claimants from seeking medical care right away.



The car accident claimant is required to mitigate his damages, meaning he (or she) is supposed to minimize his own damages. A typical car accident claimant will claim medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the car accident claimant fails to see a medical doctor not only is his credibility harmed, but he (or she)caused his injuries two worsen and he (or she)suffered longer than necessary. This is how insurance companies pretend to be on your side and then hurt you.



2. Recorded statements. Some insurance companies respond as quickly as possible after and accident and contact the car accident or truck accident claimant and take a recorded statement. The car accident victim is victimized twice. The reason is that most injuries are soft tissue injuries, meaning they relate to muscle sprains, tears, and other non objectively verifiable injuries.



These type of injuries often take a few hours before they start causing pain. These type of injuries are similar to hard physical work or a tough workout when you are out of shape. If you are out of shape or have not exercised for a long time, you may be able to do a lot of strenuous activity, but the next day you may find that you cannot get out of bed. Soft tissue injuries from car, truck, and bus accidents an even slip and falls are very much the same and you may not feel any pain for several hours or until the next day. Sometimes it may take a couple of days. The insurance adjuster will naturally record your statement and ask if you were injured. If it is a soft tissue there is a chance you will not feel anything until at the time of the call.



3. The physics of a collision. The biggest lie in car accidents that insurance defense attorneys, insurance hired experts, and insurance companies put out for jurors is that minimal impact collisions cause no injury. The reality is that it depends, there may or may not be an injury, but if the vehicle is an old car or truck, chances are the claimant is injured and badly so.



A low impact collision can cause great harm to the car accident claimant. It is basic physics and many text books describe in detail the reasons for why a low impact car accident can cause great physical harm. The irony is that jurors believe that great car damage means great bodily harm, but the design of newer cars is such that the impact will be observed by the car and therefore protect the body.



Insurance companies sponsor unscientific studies from time to time and then cite these studies in courts throughout the country. They often hire doctors and engineers calling themselves biomechanical engineers. These doctors and engineers are the same people called to trial over and over again. The reason is money, big money, some of these engineers make as much as $500,000 to $1 million a year and the same is true of these doctors. You can call any personal injury attorneys at random, and ask if they know who are the defense doctors and you will find they will give you the same responses time after time.



4. Experts. When you serve as a juror you will notice that some of the so called experts are fantastic. They are entertaining, animated, and smooth as can be. These so called experts are experts in testimony. Their job is to testify and be credible. If they looked too polished is because they are. Some of these experts have been to trial more than most attorneys. As stated earlier, the reason is money, big money, some of these engineers make as much as $500,000 to $1 million a year and the same is true of these doctors.



A treating doctor is generally not an expert and rarely testifies, jurors will see them

stumble and see that they are disorganized. Defense experts are always hired, they are obviously not treating doctors. If you are lucky, you might get to see one say "My opinion is not for sale !" Experts are often depose before going to trial.



Depositions are a process where they are asked questions under penalty of perjury before a court reporter. Defense experts contradict themselves as evidenced by the deposition transcripts and court transcripts from prior trials, they have perjured themselves repeatedly, but are rarely sanctioned by the courts. No fines, no jail time, no payback of any kind, and they still get to keep their $500,000 to $1 million a year.



5. The offer in compromise. The California legislature created a powerful tool to push cases to settlement. It is called an offer in compromise. It is a tool where the insurance company can offer to settle the case as well as the car accident claimant. If the defendant offers say $1 to the plaintiff and the plaintiff believes a jury trial will result in a greater verdict, but the jury decides to award no money damages, then the car accident victim is victimized a second time. This because the car accident victim is now liable under the Civil Code to the insurance company for all the money the insurance company paid the doctor and the engineer as well as court reporter fees, jury fees, witness fees, and other associated fees. Judges do not want you to know this !



6. The defendant. In the vast majority of cases involving a car accident lawsuit, the

defendant is really the insurance company and sometimes it is a big company. Personal injury attorneys donnot like to sue uninsured persons and donnot like to go after the assets of people. Most defendants are sorry and want to pay, but their insurance companies do not. It is a long tedious, stressful process for the accident victim as well as the culprit and the culprit generally wants to pay and get it done and over with, but the insurance company forces the culprit to go through the process.



7. Jury Verdicts. Big business and insurance companies have characterized jury verdicts as "run away jury verdicts," and they have been very successful in making personal injury attorneys and car accident claimants, as well as other personal injury claimants, look like they are greedy. The truth is that most jury verdicts are not very big. Many cases are under $25,000.00 and the average settlement is around $7,000.00. About half of a settlement goes to doctors and sometimes neither the attorney nor the car accident claimant get anything. The reason is that there are lots of costs associated with a lawsuit, the actual doctor bills, the cost of hiring the doctor to testify for the treatment provided, the court reporter fees, deposition fees, witness fees, motion fees, court fees, jury fees, copy service fees. Each and every expense is high.



Many attorneys decline to accept small cases, simply because it is a losing proposition for the attorney. Almost all personal injury attorneys accept cases on a contingency fee basis and more than half the time, they take their own money and advance the costs of litigation, it is not unusual for personal injury attorneys to take out loans to finance bigger cases where there are many doctors involved and where experts are hired. So, personal injury attorneys must wait sometimes years before they get paid, if at all. The only winners in car accident litigation is the defense attorney and the experts. The experts do extremely well as does the defense attorney. Defense attorneys get paid often up front for the work they do, regardless of the outcome of the case, usually around $250 an hour and somewhere in the $30,000 to $250,000 range per trial.



When a jury comes back with a large verdict the judge often reduces it. When there are punitive damages, meaning an award to make an example out of the defendant, it can not exceed certain standards. If damages intended to make the person whole, which is the whole purpose of personal injury, are X then punitive damages cannot exceed about 6X, or six times the compensatory damages.



For the big companies such as the auto companies that have engaged in some really bad behavior in past, this is usually a drop in the bucket. The $1 million awarded and $6 million in punitive is nothing in comparison to the annual profits of the company. Even though a jury might be extremely upset with the behavior of the defendant and award a lot in punitive damages, the judge will often cut the award and if not the defendant will appeal it.



A car accident victim is just that a victim, he (or she) has not won the lottery and at best will be put back to where he (or she) should have been if the accident had not occurred. It is the intent of the law to put the person back to where he (or she) should have been.



Arnold Hernandez Representing Clients Throughout Southern California
Attorney Arnold Hernandez represents clients in car accidents, truck accidents, dog bites, overtime claims, and unfair home loans in the cities of San Marcos, Escondido, Vista, Oceanside, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Indio, Riverside, and throughout Southern California.



Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net

Why Is Your Car Insurance So Expensive?

Why Is Your Car Insurance So Expensive? by Nicholas Hunt

Although these days it's pretty easy to arrange your car insurance online, comparing quotes at the click of a button and paying by credit card for instant cover, one ever present difficulty still remains: the high cost of insurance policies. The fact that having car insurance in place is both a legal requirement and a sensible idea doesn't detract from the annoyance of having to pay what seems to be an exorbitant sum, and most of us would jump at the chance of reducing the bill.



To do this we need to know what factors insurance companies use when deciding how much our premiums will be.



Perhaps the most important influence on the level of your premium is your own history as a driver. If you've a history of having accidents, then naturally you're a higher risk to the insurer and so they'll charge you more. Worse, if you've been convicted of a motoring offence such as speeding or driving while under the influence, then your insurance will cost you even more - especially if your licence was withdrawn.



On the plus side, a history containing no black marks such as accidents will result in cheaper insurance as you build up a 'no claims' discount over the years.



The next most important factor is what kind of car you're trying to insure. Naturally, more expensive cars will cost more to replace, and so the insurance will cost you more too. This isn't the whole story though, as other features such as engine size, the availability of cheap spares, and the difficulty of repair will have an influence too. Finally, some models of car are well known for being easier to break into or steal than others - the insurance companies are well aware of this and will adjust their quotes accordingly.



How you use your car will also affect the price you pay for cover. If you rarely drive and have a low annual mileage, then your premiums can be cut as you're on the road for less time, and therefore have less chance of needing to make a claim. City drivers may also have to pay more compared to those who drive in quieter areas.



Where you keep your car is important too - if you have a secure parking area, preferably one that keeps your vehicle out of sight and under cover, then your risk is lowered, as will be your premiums. Cars that are regularly parked at the roadside are at a higher risk of being stolen or involved in collisions, and so will be more expensive to insure.



One final point to cover is that of how attractive your car is to thieves, and not just in the obvious way of how desirable your vehicle is! An expensive car with a good security system including an alarm and window etching etcetera will be more of a hassle for criminals to profit from, and so is less likely to be stolen than a cheaper car with little or no security. Also, a car featuring plenty of gadgets such as an expensive audio system or satellite navigation will attract greater interest from potential thieves.



So as we can see, even though car insurance is an expensive business, it's not always as simple as it seems, and by looking at what insurers want in a 'perfect' customer, you may be able to drive down your premiums.



Nicholas has been writing on financial issues including car insurance for several years. Visit his site for more insurance tips and tricks, including how to get cheaper insurance for female drivers.



Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net

Five Easy Steps to Finding and Keeping the Perfect Life Insurance Coverage

Five Easy Steps to Finding and Keeping the Perfect Life Insurance Coverage by Janna Chan

Do you have some type of life insurance, but you know that $100,000 won't provide for your family's needs for very long? Are you leery of depending on insurance coverage provided through your job because you know that as soon as you lose the job, you'll lose your life insurance coverage?



Would you like to find life insurance coverage that truly protects your family, but you're mystified by terms such as whole life coverage, term life coverage, and variable life coverage? Does your confusion tempt you to just sign-up for the first life insurance coverage program a salesperson offers you instead of finding an insurance policy that's perfect for you and your family?



If so, researching and acquiring the perfect life insurance policy by using the following steps may be the key to finding coverage that genuinely suits your needs:



DETERMINE YOUR NEEDS



Do you need a policy that pays a simple death benefit for a reasonably low premium? If so, a term life insurance policy may be perfect for you. However if you'd rather have a policy that builds cash value or serves as a type of investment, a variable life or whole life policy may be your best option.



RESEARCH YOUR POTENTIAL INSURANCE CARRIER



You can, at any time, ask your state's insurance commission which insurance carriers are licensed to do business in your state. You can also inquire about the number of complaints and the nature of complaints filed against any approved insurance carrier in your state.



Furthermore, you can check almost any insurance company's rating by visiting the websites of the following organizations that are well-known for evaluating the financial stability of hundreds of insurance carriers: A.M. Best, Moody's Investor Service, Fitch Ratings, Standard and Poors, and Weiss Ratings.



FIND A GOOD INSURANCE AGENT



Asking friends and coworkers to recommend an insurance agent with whom they've had a good experience is usually the best way to find an agent. You can also contact professional insurance associations in your area to see if they have any insurance agent referral services.



Insurance agents/brokers have varying customer service skills, degrees of product knowledge, and years of general professional experience. Some insurance agents are considered "captive" because they can only sell coverage for one company. Other insurance agents/brokers are considered "independent" because they can sell insurance products for a variety of companies. Some insurance agents offer specialty insurance coverage products for people whose health conditions make them difficult to insure, while other agents only offer products for extremely healthy individuals.



You can also ask your state's insurance commission about whether complaints have been filed against any licensed insurance agent in your state.



WEIGH THE PROS AND CONS Of DIFFERENT INSURANCE OPTIONS



Would you rather have $500,000 of life insurance coverage providing a simple death benefit or $100,000 of life insurance coverage that builds a cash value asset for you and your family? Is it more valuable to spend $75/month on a policy through an agent/insurance company with a reputation for providing personal tailored customer service, or would you rather spend $45/month on a policy through a company that provides little customer service?



Once you've determined which policy is best for you and your family, notify the relevant company/agent and get the ball rolling on acquiring your perfect life insurance policy.



MONITOR YOUR FINANCIAL NEEDS AND INSURANCE POLICY



Even after acquiring the perfect life insurance policy for you and your family, continue to monitor the financial status of your insurance carrier as well as your own insurance coverage needs. Insurance companies have their ups and downs just like any other financial institution. If your insurance company/coverage no longer meets your needs, consult your insurance agent and start researching other life insurance coverage options.



Contemplating your family's life insurance coverage needs takes time and energy. However, finding the perfect life insurance policy and learning more about the insurance industry in the process is a lot more fun than just signing on the dotted line of an insurance policy that may not meet your needs.



Disclaimer: PLEASE NOTE, THE ARTICLE ABOVE REPRESENTS THE AUTHOR'S PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE OF ANY KIND.





Copyright (c) 2007 Janna Chan



Janna Chan writes articles on different health and financial services topics ranging from finding good health and life insurance coverage to conquering insomnia and using meditation to alleviate illness and improve focus.
http://a-few-seconds-calm.com contains more resources for finding and researching the perfect life insurance policy.




Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net

Saving Money On Car Insurance With A Teenage Driver

Saving Money On Car Insurance With A Teenage Driver by Barry Brenner

Are you paying a fortune to insure your teenage driver? You really don't have to.



Some car insurance companies will charge you for your teenage driver when they turn sixteen. Some won't. Call your carrier ahead of time to find out what their policy is.



The most costly coverage on your auto insurance policy is the collision coverage. Collision coverage covers damage to your vehicle when it is involved in an at-fault accident. I.e. you hit someone or something. New drivers, no matter what age, are rated higher and cost more due to their lack of driving experience.



To save on the cost of the collision coverage on a new driver, consider purchasing a used vehicle that cost between one thousand five hundred and three thousand five hundred dollars. Make sure that it is mechanically sound for your driving needs. If you want to cover this vehicle for theft and vandalism, you can purchase comprehensive coverage. Instead of purchasing collision coverage on this vehicle, purchase uninsured motorist property damage coverage.



Uninsured motorist property damage coverage protects your vehicle for up to a limited amount if an uninsured motorist hits it and you can identify the driver and the vehicle. That way if anyone hits you, even if they have no insurance, your vehicle will be repaired or you will receive payment from your insurance company for the fair market value of the vehicle. Some insurance companies include a deductible with this coverage. Your savings could be anywhere from five hundred to two thousand dollars per year for your first three years of driving. How much does that add up to after three years?



When my daughter turned sixteen this year, I was faced with this dilemma. I own a 2002 Honda Accord and a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. My auto insurance carrier wanted to increase my premium by two thousand dollars every six months to add her onto the policy.



I bought her a 1970 Plymouth, in good mechanical condition, and found a different top insurance company that charged me $642.00 every six months for the Plymouth with her on the policy. This policy came with permissive driving as a standard feature. This means that any other car she drove, including my other cars, were covered by this policy.



After I purchased the policy on the Plymouth, I was then able to add her onto my current policy for my Honda and Mitsubishi as a not rated driver without any additional cost. If she causes an accident while driving my Honda or Mitsubishi, the policy on the Plymouth would come first with its' coverage's. Then my current policy would come second, if necessary.



My current carrier wanted $1,200.00 every six months if I added the 1970 Plymouth and my daughter onto the policy. So I ended up saving over $1,100.00 a year on my car insurance.



Barry Brenner is a licensed auto insurance agent with extensive experience selling car insurance. For more information on understanding car insurance, monthly money saving tips, or looking to quote car insurance, you can visit http://www.cheapcarinsurancequotetips.com



Article Source: ArticleBazaar.net