Wednesday, 29 October 2008

Sports Car Insurance Companies

Sports Car Insurance Companies
By Max Bellamy

Some companies offer car insurance directly to the public. The details of such companies can be found in the direct car insurance directory. A car insurance directory highlights companies that offer policy coverage directly to the public and also provides details of services and benefits currently offered.

Most of the companies these days deal directly with the public. This helps the car insurance companies reduce premium costs to the customer by cutting the amount being paid out as commission to agents and mediators. Also, they have taken up direct marketing, sales and customer servicing, thus changing their associating trend with the customers.

Direct marketing is the best strategy that an insurance agent can make use of for good results. All the media advertising channels like television, radio, publications, and telesales and, of course, the Internet can be used, as marketing costs to the company are very low in this kind of advertising in relation to other sales methods. These savings are what are given to the customers as lower premium. Some companies offer lower premium as an added advantage if the customer purchases a car insurance policy online. Some companies prefer to sell only via the Internet, and customers can simply visit the website for a free insurance quote sometimes.

A direct insurance directory can provide a detailed list of all the companies offering a direct insurance purchase facility. The premiums will definitely be lower than insurance companies that appoint agents to take care of the policies.

It is suggested to shop around and get some valuable advice from family and friends who already pay a premium before committing to an insurance company. Check the companys stability and goodwill. Also, the Internet is the best option to browse for different rates being offered by companies registered online.

Sports Car Insurance provides detailed information about sports car insurance, exotic sports car insurance and more. Sports Car Insurance is affiliated with California Business Auto Insurance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MaxBellamy
http://EzineArticles.com/?Sports-Car-Insurance-Companies&id=129824

Saturday, 25 October 2008

A Few Tips For Cheap Car Insurance

A Few Tips For Cheap Car Insurance
By Allan Elvin

For many, car insurance may come across as an expensive proposition. However, if you take the time to check out the rates online, you will come across cheap insurance policies. It can get you to a position from where you will be able to bargain.

Car insurance companies have different rates and schemes to attract customers. You just have to look around to find out the one most suitable. Many of them can be very tempting but it may also happen that getting caught up on the wrong one can cause headaches at the time of making a claim. Cheapest car insurance schemes can in fact, cost you dearly. There is no guarantee that a low-premium insurance policy lives up to your expectations.

Let us note down a few tips before planning on Car Insurance:

1.Certain cars cost more to get insured, such as high-end models and sports cars. So don't be surprised if you have to pay a higher premium. After all, good things have costlier tags attached to them.
2.It is obvious that your driving profile influences your insurance costs. Careful drivers with clean records on the road have more credibility and better chance of getting good deals. Some agencies also have good 'safe driver' discounts available.
3.While going for renewal of your policy, watch out for clauses that you may find duplicate. You can avoid these repetitive terms and save on your premium.
4.Enhanced safety such as anti-theft devices for your car also casts a good impression. Your risk profile becomes better and as your car becomes safer, the insurance companies find you reliable enough to insure you at lower rates.
5. If you buy multiple policies, you stand a better chance for discounts. You need to be very selective while choosing the policies. Also try getting as many quotes as possible to give yourself more options.

These few tips should prove useful while you venture out into the market to get car insurance.

Allan Elvin is an MBA in Finance and has a rich experience of writing on topics related to finance. He professes special interest and expertise in Cheap Car Insurance and in guiding you on its various details.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AllanElvin
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Few-Tips-For-Cheap-Car-Insurance&id=626084

Ohio Car Insurance Quote Instant Online Rates

Ohio Car Insurance Quote - Instant Online Rates
By Frank Merrill

Here are three quick tips to help you save money on auto insurance:

1. Your driving record as you know is very important. The better your record, the lower your premium. If you've had accidents or serious traffic violations, you will pay more than if you have a clean driving record. You may also pay more if you haven't been insured for a number of years. You should never go more than a year without being insured.

2. The number of miles you drive each year are key. The more miles you drive, the more chance for accidents, as expected. If you drive a lower than average number of miles per year, less than 10,000, you will pay far less, often 15% less. For instance, some companies will give discounts to policyholders who state that they carpool.

3. So where do you live? Insurance companies look at local trends, such as the number of accidents, car thefts, as well as the cost of medical care and even auto repair. You would be amazed the difference in costs from one major city to another. For example, Baltimore to Detroit has a 15% difference in price on average.

Ohio Car Insurance Quote

One of the best ways to learn more about Ohio insurance is to go to an insurance quote website and request free quotes online. Immediately after you complete their short form, you will get a number of low quotes from the major carriers while still online. After you get your quotes, you then compare plans and visit their websites for more detailed information.

Just click on the following link to get Ohio Car insurance Quotes and more auto insurance information. It's fast, it's free and you're under no obligation. You'll get 5 competitive quotes for car insurance in Ohio. You will be able to view multiple Ohio auto insurance rates online They also offer free online insurance rates for many other types of other insurance coverage, like homeowners insurance, life insurance, health insurance and dental insurance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=FrankMerrill
http://EzineArticles.com/?Ohio-Car-Insurance-Quote---Instant-Online-Rates&id=664684

How to Compare Low Cost Car Insurance Companies in Virginia

How to Compare Low Cost Car Insurance Companies in Virginia
By Deborah Mills

The minimum required coverage for car insurance in Virginia is $20,000 for property damage, $25,000 for the death of one person and $50,000 for more than one person. This is pretty minimal and many motorists who want coverage, but cant afford much, go with this type of plan. Others approach the car insurance arena a little differently and want extra coverage that protects them in other ways. For those individuals comparing low cost car insurance plans in Virginia will yield them the best rates.

The best way to find car insurance is through research. This can typically be done either by telephone with local agents and asking for quotes or by surfing the Internet. The main thing to remember when you are comparing low cost car insurance in Virginia is to ask for quotes for the same level of coverage from each insurance agent. Also be certain that the plan term is the same length and the deductible is the same amount. If you do this youll be able to compare all the plans side-by-side to find the best deal possible.

A great way to approach this task is to find as many quotes as you can and then only really consider the lowest priced ones. It can be tempting to simply sign up with the agent who gave you the best quote, but youve got to take your research one step further. Not all car insurance companies are the same and you really need to be certain the one you send your hard earned money to, will be there when you need them. Find out about both the company and the agents background before making a final decision.

Once youve got a good idea about the reputation of the companies you can revisit the quotes and make a final decision. Be prepared to do this again in six months or a year when your plan needs to be renewed. Even if you found a great rate now, you want to ensure youve always got the best rate there is.

Recommended sites for low rate insurance

Low Cost Car Insurance Company in Virginia
Cheap Car Insurance for Teenage Drivers

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=DeborahMills
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Compare-Low-Cost-Car-Insurance-Companies-in-Virginia&id=598524

Is Car Insurance Compulsory?

Is Car Insurance Compulsory?
By E K Gann

It is compulsory to purchase car insurance before driving on public roads.

Penalties for not purchasing car insurance vary by country, often involve a substantial fine, license and/or registration suspension or revocation, as well as possible jail time. Usually the minimum required by law is third party car insurance to protect third parties against the financial consequences of loss, damage or injury. Typically, coverage against loss of or damage to the driver's own car is optional.

Insurance coverage levels should cover some or all of the following items:

The insured party
The insured vehicle
Third parties
Liability to bodily injuries
Liability to property damages
Collision Insurance
Comprehensive Insurance
Medical Expenses Insurance
Coverage for uninsured motorists

Different car insurance policies specify the circumstances under which each item is covered. A vehicle can also be insured to includes against theft, fire damage, or accident damage separately.

Depending on the country's law, the car insurance premium can be either mandated by the county or determined by the insurance company in accordance to a framework of regulations set. In most countries, the insurer will have more freedom to set the price on physical damage coverages than on mandatory liability coverages.

When the car insurance premium is not mandated by law, it is usually derived from the calculations of an actuary based on statistical data. The car insurance premium can vary depending on many factors that are believed to have an impact on the expected cost of future claims.Those factors can include the car characteristics, the coverage selected (deductible, limit, covered perils), the profile of the driver (age, gender, driving history) and the usage of the car (commute for work or not, predicted annual distance driven).

E K Gann is an independent writer and marketer online.Ther are more ways to save money on car insurance.If you found this article useful you can learn a lot more about car insurancetips and resources by visiting http://at-car-insurance.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=EKGann
http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Car-Insurance-Compulsory?&id=471853

Wednesday, 22 October 2008

The Mystery behind Women's Cheap Car Insurance

The Mystery behind Women's Cheap Car Insurance
By Angela Farnsworth

Actually, there is no mystery behind womens cheap car insurance. Statistics show that women drivers are involved in fewer car accidents than men drivers; therefore, car insurance companies feel women drivers are less of a risk to insure than men drivers. Statistics also show that the car accidents in which women drivers are involved cause less bodily and property damage than those car accidents in which men drivers are involved. Of course, this only adds salt to the wound for men drivers looking for cheap car insurance!

There are other factors that go into the statistics of women drivers as compared to men drivers. Women drivers are more likely than men to pass their driver license exams on the first try. Car insurance companies see this as evidence that more women drivers are likely to take the initiative and put forth the effort to study, rather than head to the DMV overly confident about their driving skills and understanding of the road.

Statistically, women drivers also are not involved in as many car-related crimes as men drivers. Whether the crime is running a red light or committing vehicular homicide, women drivers are less likely to commit it than men drivers.

In order to get the cheap car insurance that women get, men need to work on their statistics. One way to start is by driving a safe vehicle that will protect you, your passengers, and the other drivers and pedestrians around you. Your vehicle should be one that is built to cause minimal damage when involved in a car accident. This means damage to the persons involved in the accident, as well as damage to the property. Easing off the gas pedal every now and then helps, too.

If you are a man driver looking for the cheap car insurance available to most women, talk with your insurance company about steps you can take to obtain that cheap car insurance.

Recommended sites for low rate insurance

Cheap Car Insurance Quotes
Instant Auto and Home Insurance Quotes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AngelaFarnsworth
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Mystery-behind-Womens-Cheap-Car-Insurance&id=584128

You Don't Know And Car Insurance Companies Aren't Telling

You Don't Know And Car Insurance Companies Aren't Telling
By Tim R Beachum

I almost crapped my pants when I found out that I was paying more in car insurance simply because of my occupation. Before you get all up in the air you may be in the lucky group of people that pay less for car insurance. When I first discovered this information I was flabbergasted to say the least.

I researched my information by reviewing the results of the Comparison Markets 2006 Occupation Report. This report stated that your occupation can greatly impact your car insurance premium. Hold on to your seats because I havent even began to scratch the surface.

The Comparison Market also stated as an example that scientists, pilots, actors and a host of others pay the lowest insurance rates at an average of $935.76 per year. On the flip side of the coin we have job occupations such as attorneys, lawyers, judges, executives and business owners pay the highest insurance rates at an average of $1,383.63 per year.

That news made no since to me what-so-ever, but I had to get to the bottom of this. Mr. Roush, CEO of Comparison Market stated that attorneys, lawyers, judges etc have extremely stressful jobs, which require them to spend more time in their cars and talk more frequently on their cell phones than the average driver.

Ok now we are getting somewhere. Its all starting to make a little since to me. Now for the other group that I spoke of earlier, i.e. the scientist, pilots, actors and so forth. Their occupations are viewed as being very meticulous and detailed-oriented, which the powers that be feel lead to good driving habits.

For those of you in the know you already realize that receiving discounts on auto insurance is not a new concept. For years major insurance companies have been giving discounts to members of affinity groups, i.e. AARP, AAA, alumni groups and other associations.

Below I have listed the top 10 occupation that pay the least amount in premiums. Unfortunately I do not fall in this top 10 list.

1. Scientist

2. Retired individuals

3. Unemployed (I guess because they cannot afford gas Just kidding)

4. Pilots and or Navigators

5. Disabled

6. Actor, Performers, and other types of Artist

7. Librarian/Historian

8. Farmer

9. Student

10. Public Official

Here is another little piece of irony for you. Number twelve on the lowest car insurance premium list was a bartender. That totally blew me away.

For more insider trade secrets, or to get your free car insurance quote, check out http://www.a1carinfo.com

Tim Beachum is an author, speaker, success coach, actor, independent film producer, movie editor, and a successful Internet Marketer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=TimRBeachum
http://EzineArticles.com/?You-Dont-Know-And-Car-Insurance-Companies-Arent-Telling&id=580222

Sunday, 19 October 2008

Long Term Care Insurance and Household Finances

Long Term Care Insurance and Household Finances
By Elizabeth Newberry

No one ever wants to become so sick or disabled that they cannot manage to take care of themselves. No one wants to have to rely on the assistance of others just to get out of bed in the morning, get dressed, use the restroom, and make breakfast. Unfortunately, this becomes a way of life for many people, and when it does they usually have one of two options they may have family members look after them, or they may have hired professionals to look after them.

If the chosen option is to have hired professionals look after them, these hired professionals can visit them at their homes, or they can be taken care of at long term care facilities such as nursing homes. If hired professionals are going to be providing the care, regardless of the location, its going to cost money. This is where long term care insurance comes into the picture.

Many people choose not to purchase long term care insurance frankly because its not an insurance everyone needs. The odds of eventually using car insurance, homeowners insurance, health insurance, and even life insurance are greater than eventually using long term care insurance. Therefore, many people opt not to add another bill to their lists of household finances; however, in the event that you do need long term care, how are you going to pay for your household finances and the cost of long term care? Having long term care insurance will take care of paying for your long term care.

Before you head to your local insurance agent, research your family history. Have there been any family members who have ended up needing long term care? For what reason, and for how long, did they need the long term care? How did they pay for the long term care? Use these answers to help determine whether or not long term care insurance is right for you.

Buy Your Student Health Insurance Policy Today

Home Insurance Tampa

Kentucky Car Insurance

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=ElizabethNewberry
http://EzineArticles.com/?Long-Term-Care-Insurance-and-Household-Finances&id=306934

8 Easy Routes to Cheaper Car Insurance

8 Easy Routes to Cheaper Car Insurance
By Nicholas Hunt

Car insurance is one of the most expensive costs involved in driving a car, and it's not something you can avoid - a minimum level of insurance is required by law. That doesn't mean you have to blindly pay whatever your insurer quotes though, as there are several simple things you can do to reduce the cost of your premiums.

1) Shop around and buy online: Figures show that many people simply renew their current policies without shopping around. The internet makes it easy to compare prices from different insurers, so why not take advantage of this? Plus, you'll usually get a discount of 10% or more just for buying your policy online.

2) Policy type: do you really need a comprehensive policy with all the extras? Going for a third party fire & theft policy can reduce your premiums hugely, and is definitely worth considering if your car isn't an expensive model.

3) No claims discounts: Nearly all policies feature a discount that increases for every year you don't make a claim. The higher the discount available, the more you could save. Also look at insurers offering a 'no claims bonus for life' feature, where your current discount level can be fixed forever, even if you have to make a claim somewhere down the line.

4) Excess: The excess on a policy is the amount of a claim you have to pay before the insurer pays the rest. Choosing to have a higher than standard excess level will usually mean lower premiums.

5) Security: Fitting your vehicle with an alarm, immobiliser, or other security devices can lead to premium reductions. Parking you car off-road, for example on a driveway or in a garage, will also mean a cheaper policy.

6) Pay annually: Many insurers charge you interest for the privilege of paying in monthly installments. Pay annually if you can afford it to avoid this, or look for one of the companies who don't charge extra for monthly payment.

7) Mileage: The more mileage you run up every year, the more your insurance will cost. Even if you can't reduce your mileage, make sure you're not overestimating how much you actually do drive, and give your insurer an accurate figure.

8) Drivers: The more drivers you have on your policy, the more it will cost. Reduce the number of people insured to drive your car to the minimum possible, and try to get the policy in the name of a driver with the lowest risk profile. For example, if a car is driven by both a man and a woman, insuring it in the woman's name will often result in a cheaper quote.

Nicholas Hunt is a contributing writer for http://www.1stop-finance.co.uk, where you can browse car insurance reviews or read a more detailed article about getting cheaper car insurance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=NicholasHunt
http://EzineArticles.com/?8-Easy-Routes-to-Cheaper-Car-Insurance&id=242654

7 Tips For Lowering Your Car Insurance Rate

7 Tips For Lowering Your Car Insurance Rate
By Sam Peterson

We all know that car insurance is a necessary evil, however there are a few things you can do to save yourself some money. Your current insurance company might not be offering you the best deal that is available to you. Different companies have different rules and guidelines. It's a good idea to review your options once a year or so, or whenever your circumstances change, like adding or removing a driver or vehicle. Here is some things you can pay attention to that might lower your bill:

- Deductibles. Changing the deductibles on your insurance can have a drastic influence on your insurance rate. You should make your deductible for collision coverage as high as you feel comfortable with. By having it as high as $1000, can make a big difference on your insurance. On the other hand, you probably want a low deductible on comprehensive coverage, since you do not want to be stuck with a big bill if someone hits your car in a parking lot and runs off. Take the value of your car in consideration. If your car is worth less than say $3000, you can probably drop collision coverage completely and save enough money in a couple of years to replace your vehicle.

- Sports and four-wheel drive cars carry a significantly higher premium than other cars, especially if you are under 25 years old. Make sure you can afford the insurance before buying such a vehicle.

- An anti-theft device carries a lot of weight with insurance companies. If your car does not have one, it might be worthwhile to have one installed. You could have one installed for as little as $100.

- Avoid unnecessary and frivolous claims. It might sound like common sense, but a lot of people abuse their insurance with petty claims. Consider how much your deductible is and how much the repairs will cost. If may be worth your while to pay out of pocket, since many companies reward drivers for being claim free.

- Exaggerating the value of your car does not impress anybody and will cause a higher insurance rate. Only insure it for the amount you need for replacement and update this amount annually.

- If you can, pay your premiums annually instead of monthly or quarterly. Insurance companies often add a service, or interest fee if you choose to pay monthly.

- By doing your research and buying insurance online may save you time and money, because many companies will give discounts online. It is also easy to get comparative quotes.

Sam Peterson is a writer and website publisher, including this car insurance rate site where you can find articles, news and other resources about car insurance, like shopping online for car insurance. Please visit us at carinsuranceratetips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=SamPeterson
http://EzineArticles.com/?7-Tips-For-Lowering-Your-Car-Insurance-Rate&id=422998

Friday, 17 October 2008

Cheap Car Insurance: Factors that Affect Your Car Insurance Rates

Cheap Car Insurance: Factors that Affect Your Car Insurance Rates
By Rob Sliver

When it comes to auto insurance rates, who you are determines what you pay. Automobile insurance premiums are based on a large number of factors, some of which you can control, and some of which, alas, are incontrovertible facts of life. Statistically, a sixteen-year old boy with a 300 horsepower sports car in a big city is far more likely to hit something than a 35 year-old married guy driving a minivan around the suburbs.

While you cant change your age and some other factors, there are things that you can do to keep insurance premiums as low as possible.

Factors you CANT change that impact your auto insurance rates:

Your age

Dick Clark and Sophia Loren notwithstanding, aging is unavoidable. And while you may be a mature-looking teen or a youthful octogenarian, the oldest and the youngest drivers are far more likely to have accidents.

Gender

Whether its the mothering instinct or fewer NASCAR fantasies, women statistically make safer drivers.

Marital Status

Ok, you can change this, but there have been no reports of people marrying simply to lower their insurance rates.

Factors you CAN change that impact your auto insurance rates:

Geography

Where you live matters.For instance, those living in rural America are far less likely to have a collision or a stolen car than those living in a city. But, sometimes even just moving across the street can change your rate.

Driving violations

Speeding tickets, running red lights, failure to yield, etc. all count toward your auto insurance rate.

Your vehicle

If you must have that cherry red Corvette or the Ferrari Testarossa, be prepared to pay for it. Your insurance premiums will be higher.

Accident claims

While you cant change the past, keeping your slate clean and free of accidents will hold you in better stead than lots of fender benders.

Credit rating

Thats right many insurance companies view having a poor, or even no credit history as suggestive of higher risk.

Occupation

A little easier said than done. Believe it or not, insurers have found correlation between your occupation and risk. Makes sense that the pizza delivery guy could be a higher risk!

Other factors that go into determining premiums:

Miles driven per year

Distance to work

Occupation

Years of driving experience

Business use of the vehicle

Whether or not you currently have auto insurance

Theft protection devices (often results in discounts)

Multiple cars and drivers (another opportunity for discounts)

Overwhelmed?

It can be more than a bit confusing when trying to decide the best and most affordable coverage for your vehicle. Like anything else, get good advice and comparison shop. With the Web at your fingers, you have all the information and power to get the best deal.

Please note that this description/explanation is intended only as a guideline.

For more information about auto insurance please go to: Insurance.com

Author: Rob Sliver

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RobSliver
http://EzineArticles.com/?Cheap-Car-Insurance:-Factors-that-Affect-Your-Car-Insurance-Rates&id=91601

The HealthcareDebt Diet: 7 Ways To Avoid Going Into Medical Debt

The Healthcare-Debt Diet: 7 Ways To Avoid Going Into Medical Debt
By Michelle Katz

Start your New Year more healthcare conscious in terms of your purse. Here are some tips to help keep you medical debt free this year:

1) REVIEW YOUR PLAN:

Whether you have a PPO, HMO, or HSA don't forget to review your plan for the new year! Did your policy change, were their new preventative measure added, or did your doctor drop your policy? Dont assume your policy is still the same, even if simply renewed your same for the past few years. Small changes can mean big costs the next time you see your doctor.

2) TRY NEGOTIATING THIS YEAR AND PAY CASH:

Talk to your doctor and tell him/her you are trying to cut costs this year and if he or she can help. Offer to pay cash upfront or see if you can work out a payment plan for a discount.

3) SHOP AROUND:

Whether is for a hospital or a pharmacy, prices will vary. With a hospital, find out what is included in your stay. Tell the accounting office that you are scheduled for ame exact surgery with ame doctor on date. When dealing with your pharmacy give them the name and quantity you need of your drug. Dont forget about calling on those wholesale clubs, even if you do not have a membership! You may be surprised by how much you can save!

4) FIND OUT WHEN THE HEALTHCARE EXPOS ARE:

Get a free screening at a local healthcare expo. Save these results and bring them in to your next check up.

5) START EXERCISING AND EATING RIGHT:

Have you doctor help you find the right diet and exercise for you? Do you need to pay particular attention to your sodium intake, or does tomato sauce give you reflux? Do you have bad knees? What exercise is best for you? Set some goals this year.

6) SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS:

Whether it is over-the-counter medication or mileage to get to your doctors office, document it all!!!! The IRS allows you to deduct medical bills that exceed 7.5% of your gross income. That's a high bar, but the list of eligible expenses is extensive, including insurance premiums, dental X-rays, fertility treatments, prescribed weight-loss and stop-smoking programs and even LASIK eye surgery. See irs.gov/publications/p502 for the details.

7) CHECK AND DOUBLE CHECK:

Everyone makes mistakes, your insurance company, the hospital, the doctors office, the pharmacy and yes, even your doctor. We are all human, so be sure to ask questions, ask for an itemized bill and add the charges up yourself, etc. Dont assume. Write down the answer, the person that gave that answer to you, the date and their contact information so you can go back to that person if there is a mistake. If you dont ask, you are empowering someone else with you health, and that can cost thousands in the end!

A healthcare consultant and international medical reporter, Michelle Katz, MSN, from ABC 7 in Washington, DC, has been interviewed in several news markets including CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, Oprah & Friends Radio, the New England Cable Network, and is a frequent guest on WUSA in Washington, DC. She is the host of cable television show, Todays Health and a Celebrity Guru for LifeTips as well as the healthcare contributor for EONS. Katz has been a senior healthcare consultant at Arthur Andersen and consulted in the development of congressional healthcare legislation. Her advice has been heard on countless radio stations across the country. She is a sincere, engaging guest and we are sure your audience will welcome an interview or feature. She received her masters degree in nursing from Georgetown University after suffering from a car accident which landed her in the hospital when she had no insurance. She survived with no medical debt and lives in Washington, DC.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MichelleKatz
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Healthcare-Debt-Diet:-7-Ways-To-Avoid-Going-Into-Medical-Debt&id=391534

Thursday, 16 October 2008

Health and Medical Insurance Comparing Managed Care Health Plans

Health and Medical Insurance - Comparing Managed Care Health Plans
By Kay Lowe

Health insurance plans have been forced to take action to contain costs of quality health care delivery as health care costs have skyrocketed. Health insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays have steadily increased, and health insurance companies have implemented certain strategies for reducing health care costs. Managed care describes a group of stratgies aimed at reducing the costs of health care for health insurance companies.

There are two basic types of managed care plans; health maintenance organizations, or HMOs, and preferred provider organizations, or PPOs. So which health plan is best? How do you choose what type of health insurance best suits the health care needs of you and your family?

Both HMOs and PPOs contain costs by contracting with health providers for reduced rate on health care services for its' members, often as much as 60%. One important difference between HMOs and PPOs is that PPOs often will cover the costs of care when the provider is out of their network, but usually at a reduced rate. On the other hand, most HMOs offer no coverage for health care services for out-of-network providers.

Both HMO and PPOs also control health care costs by use of a gateway, or primary care provider (PCP). Health insurance plan members are assigned (or select) a primary care practitioner (physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner). usually a family practitioner or internal medicine doctor for adult members or a pediatrician or family care practitioner for childern. The primary care provider is responsible for coordianting health delivery for plan members. Care by specialist physicians require referral from the primary care provider. This cost containment strategy is intended to avoid duplication of services (for example, the cardiologist ordering tests that have already been done by the PCP, or a sprained ankle being referred to an orthopedic) and avoid unnecessary specialist referrals, tests and/or procedures.

HMO and PPO plans also contain costs by requiring prior approval, prior authorization, or pre-certification for many elective hospital admissions, surgeries, costly tests and imaging procedures, durable medical equipment and prescription drugs. When such services are required, the provider must submit a request to the health insurance plan review department, along with medical records that justify the service. The request is reviewed by the health insurance company to determine whether the services are justified as medically necessary according to the health plan policy and guidelines. Review is usually performed by licensed nurses, and, if the reviewer agrees that the service is necessary, approval is given and the service will be covered by the health insurance plan.

As health care costs continue to rise, many indemnity health insurance plans, or fee for service plans are being forced to adopt some managed care strategies in order to provide quality health care and keep health insurance premiums affordable. And as long as health care costs continue to rise, the distinctions among PPO, HMO, FFS and other health insurance plans will become blurred. Rest assured, however, that managed health care is here to stay.

Kay Lowe holds a Master's degree in health care and has 30+ years experience in the health care field. She is also webmaster for Health-Infosource.com, a website dedicated to disseminating health information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KayLowe
http://EzineArticles.com/?Health-and-Medical-Insurance---Comparing-Managed-Care-Health-Plans&id=148415

Wednesday, 15 October 2008

5 Tips to Get Cheap Car Insurance

5 Tips to Get Cheap Car Insurance
By Jon Atkinson

Getting a car insured today has become a matter that requires substantial research. For most people the main criterion of selecting or rejecting a car insurance company is price. Every body seems to be after cheap car insurance. But how does one quantify cheap? To accurately compare quotes, you need to make sure the insurers youre comparing are offering similar types and amounts of coverage, and also a similar deductible amount.

Meanwhile, here are a few pointers on how to go about getting a car insurance that will be more affordable:

Keeping all your eggs in the same basket may help you lower your car insurance costs. Some insurers give discounts if the applicant already has one or more insurances from the same company. For instance, if you already have homeowners insurance and another auto insurance plan from the company, chances are that you may have to pay less for insuring your new car. You can even ask them to give you a quote and compare it with that of other insurance companies.

Keep your driving track record clean. Easier said than done, no doubt, but it really pays in the long run. If you have a couple of accidents to your credit, chances are that you may have to empty your pockets a little more to have your car insured. This is the auto insurers way of hedging the risk from your bad driving and safeguarding themselves from a possible claim in the near future.

Increase your deductible amount. This is the amount that you agree to pay in the eventuality of a claim before the insurance company pays up. What this implies is that you are taking a risk of paying more if the need arises. But if you are a cautious driver and are confident that you are likely to be so in the future too, it will knock off a sizable chunk from your yearly payouts.

Even the make of the car can determine how much you pay for the insurance of the car. Attractive and expensive cars are more theft prone and hence make the car insurance expensive. The inherent nature of the car and the likely profile of the user can also determine the insurance amount. Volvo, a symbol of safety, is likely to be driven responsibly but a Mustang is likely to be driven by a less cautious driver. Therefore if you are planning to buy a car in the near future, spare a thought on the insurance front too, since a low-profile car can have a lower insurance cost.

Take precautions to theft proof your car. This can affect your risk profile immensely, apart from giving you a general peace of mind. Cars equipped with anti-lock brakes, air bags and automatic seatbelts are also eligible for insurance discounts.

Remember not to just go after the cheapest quote you get in the market. Do your homework, compare quotes and reimbursement track records of several insurance providers before you finalize your car insurance company.

Jon Atkinson recommends that you visit http://www.cheap-autoinsurance.com/ for more information on cheap car insurance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JonAtkinson
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Tips-to-Get-Cheap-Car-Insurance&id=206056

Tuesday, 14 October 2008

How to Get the Cheapest Car Insurance

How to Get the Cheapest Car Insurance
By Gage Killian

It is a fact, nobody wants to spend lots of money on car insurance. Although nobody wants to spend such money, insurance payments are a necessary evil in order to stay financially and physically safe as well as abide by the law. The problem with insurance is that it is often very expensive for the individual to have insurance, and since one must have insurance to drive a car, this poses a significant problem. How to reduce the cost of driving.

To lower the cost of insurance, there are a few general factors that are involved:

1. The Driver - The person to whom the car is insured to. This factor is one of the most significant and changeable factor in getting cheaper car insurance. Car insurance premiums often are a direct reflection of a persons driving history and age and gender. Individuals under twenty five years of age that are male with a few accidents on record with the Department of motor vehicles will have more expensive car insurance than a twenty six year old female with a clean driving record. Now you can't change how old you are, and essentially, you can not change your gender, however you are in control of your driving record. Safe habits and defensive driving can significantly reduce the risks of getting a traffic ticket or a car accident that will keep your carinsurance rates lower.

2. The Car - The car that is insured is another huge factor in getting less expensive auto insurance. Often times sports cars with two seats and two doors will pay a much higher rate than family sedans with four seats made for economical purposes rather than speed. Getting an older model car with automatic safety belts, four seats, four doors and an airbag will help insure the cheapest car insurence possible.

3. The Company - There are a plethora of insurance companies out there. Many of the companies offer discounts for programs like drivers education. Other car insurance companies will even give you comparisons from other companies. You often get rate quotes online which makes finding the cheapest car insurance company easier. But be warned, the cheapest isn't always the best. When it comes to car insurance companies, you often get what you've paid for so make sure you understand your policy completely.

By keeping these three factors in mind you can be well on your way to finding the car insurance company that best suites your needs and provides you with the best car for your money.

Writer, Web Publisher, Carinsurance enthusiast and devotee to the cheapest car insurence by the cheapest carinsurance companies

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=GageKillian
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Get-the-Cheapest-Car-Insurance&id=310828

Car Insurance Information

Car Insurance Information
By Neal Hamou

The search for cheap auto insurance is at its close. Ive been privileged to write a full review on a website called AutoInsuranceQuotes4free.com. Before visiting this site, I had no conception of what to do or where to look to find cheaper auto insurance rates. After reading through the site a bit, it became very apparent that its not as hard as it seems.

A site is only as good as it can portray information clearly to its visitors. It must be easy to use in this sense as visitors will try to get around the site to find the information theyre looking for. It is set up in a user-friendly format. It was very easy to navigate through different pages to find what I was looking for. Each section is clearly marked and structured so that its easy to read. Its very easy to find information once you get to this site.

Explanations are vital to understanding the car insurance market and business. Most insurance websites dont take the time to lay out the basics. But this site does! Clearly marked within the site are basic explanations of terms and programs that are common within the insurance industry. Once you master this knowledge, you can shop and compare auto insurance rates as if you know just as much as the agent who is selling it to you. The more you know, the better off you are when youre shopping for those rates.

Aside from being very easy to use, and having more than enough useful information at your mercy, Auto insurance quotes for free has listed company reviews of major insurance companies. Choose the company thats best for you and proceed to their online auto insurance quote. You can be in and out within minutes without having to pay for a thing! This site is not only helpful, but it is useful to saving money that you can otherwise spend on more important things.

I give AutoInsuranceQuotes4free.com a rating of excellent and hope to see them prosper in their future business ventures. It is a site that truly serves the public. Check it out at AutoInsuranceQuotes4free.com

written by Neal Hamou

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=NealHamou
http://EzineArticles.com/?Car-Insurance-Information&id=479520

Monday, 13 October 2008

5 Strategies To Reduce Your Car Insurance Premiums

5 Strategies To Reduce Your Car Insurance Premiums
By Matthew Keegan

Your latest car insurance bill has arrived and it is not a pretty site. In fact, it is downright ugly! What can you do? Must you remain hostage to the ever spiraling rate increases foisted upon you when your policy renews? In a word, no. Lets examine five strategies you can practice today to help reduce your car insurance premiums immediately.

1. Shop For A New Policy. Even with loyalty discounts in place, many consumers will find that a competing company will offer significant savings over your current plan. This especially holds true if your state recently opened up the market to invite more competition in.

2. Change Your Coverage. If your vehicle is old, you many want to consider dropping collision coverage. Your comprehensive coverage may also be due for reexamination. Finally, make sure that there arent duplicate costs included such as towing insurance if already offered through your automobile club.

3. Family Status. You may be paying more for your insurance if your policy shows that you are single when, in fact, you were recently married. Rates are generally lowered for married folks as well as those over a certain age.

4. Up Your Deductible. You can realize instant savings by raising the deductible you are willing to pay. Maybe you dont need a $200 collision deductible when $500 is sufficient.

5. Get Security Discounts. If you park your car in a locked garage and/or have an alarm system installed make sure that your insurer is aware of this as your premium will be adjusted downward.

In many cases you can also save on car insurance by bundling it with your homeowners insurance. Finally, talk with your broker to see whatever other measures you can take to realize additional savings.

Matthew Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on just about any and every issue imaginable. You can preview samples from his high performing site at http://www.thearticlewriter.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MatthewKeegan
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Strategies-To-Reduce-Your-Car-Insurance-Premiums&id=58873

Healthcare Coverage in America Today

Healthcare Coverage in America Today
By Michele Graham

In America today, most of us depend on health insurance to cover the majority of our fees for health care from our specified providers. We get insurance coverage through our employers and on an individual basis.

The questions are:

How good is my coverage?

Why is my doctor not on my plan?

Why are there limits on the types of services I can receive?

Unfortunately, insurance carriers limit their provider rosters and therefore not all medical providers are in network on all insurance plans. It appears that the insurance carriers develop an exclusive club letting some join and others not. Additionally, the carrier's rosters are not always up to date and therefore perpetrate an illusion of their insurance provider participation as full, when in fact, some providers have retire, moved or even expired!

Our experience, that even when notified of incorrect information in Provider Directories that are posted on the internet, insurance carriers do nothing to correct the mis-information. It would make sense as one provider leaves an area that another provider replaces that provider and this does not happen.

Another thought: As new doctors graduate form medical school and open their practices, how are they going to be able to accept insurance to treat patients if they are not on these plans? And how will they get on these plans that have already turned away thousands of others?

Michele Graham-CEO and Owner of Professional Healthcare Management, offering credentialing and insurance billing to healthcare providers. Michele has 41 years in the healthcare industry.

http://www.phmnetwork.com

http://phmnetwork.blogerspot.com

http://www.healthcarenewsonline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MicheleGraham
http://EzineArticles.com/?Healthcare-Coverage-in-America-Today&id=225174

Car Insurance A Brave New World

Car Insurance - A Brave New World
By Michael Masters

A leading UK insurance company has beaten the government in the race to introduce road pricing by launching a car insurance policy which takes account not only of the usual factors used in determining insurance premiums such as age, gender, driving experience, type of vehicle etc. but also when, where and how much you drive.

The scheme, which has been on trial for two years is based on statistics which show that individual driving habits can have a significant effect on the risk of having an accident. For example driving during the morning rush hour increases this risk by 50% over driving on the same roads at the weekend or evening. Motorway driving on the other hand is 10 times safer than driving on low-speed urban roads. Not surprisingly, the statistics also show that more serious accidents are likely to happen at night.

The policy, which charges a fixed monthly sum plus a per mile charge that can vary from as little as 1p to as much as 1 for a young driver using their car at night, relies on the information provided by a black box fitted to the vehicle. This uses GPS technology to record how often, when and where you drive. The information provided by the device is used to produce a monthly pay-as-you-go itemised bill showing the premium charged for journeys made during the month.

Norwich Union, the company behind the scheme claim that this new type of policy gives consumers greater choice and is a fairer way of calculating premiums because it is closely tailored to them and their driving habits. They also say that if you drive less than 8,000 miles a year you may benefit from switching to this new policy. Given the very wide range of costs per mile, particularly for young drivers however, this will depend very much on the type of driving you do. If you are a low mileage off peak motorway user you will undoubtedly benefit financially but how many others will do so remains to be seen. Norwich Union are expecting the policy to be a huge success but independent surveys have shown that their is considerable resistance from drivers to having their activities monitored in this way..

Apart from the civil liberties concerns, there are other disadvantages to this form of policy.

Drivers will not know how much their insurance has cost them, unless their driving patterns remain constant from month to month, until they get their bill.

If this type of policy is copied by other insurers, there is also potential for a proliferation of different charges use of your car leading to confusion over the comparative costs of policies from different companies.

Using the example of mobile phones, how many people know if they have the best deal from their own network supplier let alone whether another supplier would be cheaper. There are hundreds if not thousands of different tariff combinations to check for any real comparison of costs to be valid. Norwich Union have already started to sow confusion here by offering young drivers 100 free off-peak miles per month.

The switch to monthly billing is also a clever move. Annual bills only allow insurance companies to increase premiums once a year and any increase is immediately apparent, a rolling monthly policy however, will allow more frequent opportunities to adjust the price and as the increases will be smaller, for them to be more acceptable. As companies would be free to make such adjustments at any time, you could switch from one insurance company after a rise in premium, only to be hit by an increase from the new insurance provider after the switch has been made. You need only look at the increases in energy bills to see how this works.

The introduction of this new kind of policy will allow some drivers to benefit if they are not concerned about having their activities tracked and recorded but for others, particularly those who are forced to use the 'wrong' type of road at the 'wrong' time of the day it is a definite no no.

As always with car insurance make sure you check that the policy is right for you and compare the price of car insurance cover from several providers before committing yourself. Above all keep track of your costs and check them at regular intervals.

Michael Masters writes for Car insurance comparison site kwikfindcarinsurance.com which provides information on car insurance issues and a quotation finding service for UK and US residents.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MichaelMasters
http://EzineArticles.com/?Car-Insurance---A-Brave-New-World&id=323566

Sunday, 12 October 2008

The Best Car Insurance

The Best Car Insurance
By Maria Cuttini

Do you understand the kind of car insurance you have or should have? Or are you at the mercy of your agent and insurer, just trusting them to take care of you?

I don't know about you, but I'm not about to just trust someone else to manage such an important area of my life. If you're over insured, you're wasting money. If you're under insured, your financial life is at risk. How do you find the right middle ground? The place you need to be?

The first thing to do is educate yourself about what types of car insurance coverage is available. Different insurers offer different types of coverage. If you have any kind of specialty automobile a classic car, a hot rod, an exotic sports car you'll also need specialty insurance. If you have auto insurance now, get your policy out and read it over. Then get on the internet and start searching for explanations of the insurance terms you don't understand.

To get you started, I'll go over a few of the most common types of coverage:

Comprehensive: This is an overall blanket type of insurance that covers everything except damage from an accident. Comprehensive coverage comes in handy if your car is outside during a hailstorm and left with little dents all over it or if it's hit by a falling tree and destroyed. You'd also be covered if someone vandalized your car (broken windows, scratches from keys, etc.).

Liability: This covers all the damage and medical expenses for someone that you injure in an accident. Most states require that you carry liability coverage and set a minimum you must have. Be sure you pay attention to the amount your agent offers you. What most people get is really not enough. In many states, the minimum coverage is $10,000 per person or $30,000 per accident. If you have just one person hospitalized after an accident, it could easily add up to more than $30,000. The rest would have to come out of your pocket. So, depending on your financial situation, consider the amount of your liability coverage very carefully.

Personal Injury: This is the part of your policy that covers your injuries and medical expenses. Again, most states have a minimum limit that you have to carry. But this may or may not be enough for you. Do you have any other medical insurance? Maybe you and your family are covered by your employer. If so, you're probably fine with the state minimums. If you don't have separate medical insurance, you may want to increase this coverage for financial protection.

Collision: If you have an automobile loan, more than likely your lender will require collision insurance. It covers damages that you cause to your own vehicle. The deductible on this type of coverage can be increased or decreased the lowest deductible I've seen is $250 but I imagine you could find a policy with no deductible if you look hard enough. It would cost you a bundle though.

Your agent or insurance company can give you a lot more details on all of the different types of coverage. Take a look and decide what limits work best for you.

Maria Cuttini shares tips and resources for saving money on your auto insurance on her blog at http://www.AutoInsuranceUnlimited.com Stop by and save some money!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MariaCuttini
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Best-Car-Insurance&id=349295

Friday, 10 October 2008

Car Insurance And Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists: Should You Buy The Coverage?

Car Insurance And Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists: Should You Buy The Coverage?
By Scott Lunt

Does your car insurance cover this? A driver plows into the back of your car and you end up in the hospital. Your medical bills are almost $70,000 but the driver who hit you only has $25,000 bodily injury coverage. What can you do?

Of course you can always take the driver to court to pay the rest of the damages. However, this could take months or years and you may end up with nothing if that person has no money or assets to forfeit.

However if you're carrying Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your car insurance policy, you may be able to get some or all of those bills paid.

Uninsured Motorist coverage pays for injury and damages caused by an uninsured driver or hit and run driver. Surprisingly -- or not so surprisingly -- there are many people out driving around without car insurance. Adding this to your policy can be an important financial safeguard for you.

Underinsured Motorist coverage pays the difference between an at-fault driver's liability limits of coverage and the actual costs of the injury or damage -- up to the limits you set when you add UIM to your policy. Many people are driving around with just the minimum state-required limits of liability on their car insurance. Adding this coverage can also help protect your finances.

Whether you get UM or UIM coverage depends on a few things. For one, it may be mandatory in your state. For another, consider your situation and your other insurance such as health coverage. You may want the extra coverage for peace of mind. Also, what's the region like where you live? Arizona for example has a high proportion of uninsured motorists and hit-and-run incidents.

When you're shopping for car insurance and you want to make sure you're getting the best rates on UM/UIM, get at least three different quotes. Just make sure to use the same limits for UM/UIM for each quote to get an accurate comparison.

Scott Lunt is a freelance writer with over 15 years experience writing insurance-related articles. You can compare car insurance quotes and find more tips on saving on car, home, life, health and long-term care insurance at LowerYourInsurance.com. The site also includes a handy worksheet to help you when shopping for car insurance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=ScottLunt
http://EzineArticles.com/?Car-Insurance-And-Uninsured/Underinsured-Motorists:-Should-You-Buy-The-Coverage?&id=305067

Thursday, 9 October 2008

Lower Your Car Insurance Rate

Lower Your Car Insurance Rate
By Jared Myers

If You Refuse To Pay High Insurance RatesHere Are 7 Bargaining Chips you Can Use to Negotiate a Better Insurance Rate.

Lower Your Car Insurance Rate

Having a good driving record is one of the best ways to keep your car insurance rates down. Here are a few other ways to help lower your costs.

1.Shop Around

Make companies compete for your business. Prices will vary from company to company. So, be sure to ask at least 3-4 different companies for a quote. Make them earn your business.

Talk to your friends, neighbors and coworkers about their insurance policies. If theyre happy with their insurance company there is a good chance you will be too.

There are dozens of companies on line willing to give you a free car insurance quote (like FreeCarInsuranceQuotes.org and CarInsurance.com). This may be a good starting place for you. Keep your eyes and ears open for radio and TV advertisements.

Again, these agencies are willing to compete for your business; so, dont settle.

2.Ask For Higher Deductibles

Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By raising your deductible, you can lower your insurance rates significantly. For instance, raising your deductible from $250 to $500 can reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage 10-30 percent. Raising your deductible to a $1000 could save you as much as 40% or better.

Just be sure you have the cash on hand to cover yourself in the event of a claim.

3.Have Safety/ Anti-theft Devices Installed

You may be eligible for further insurance discounts if your vehicle is equipped with one or more options: anti-lock brakes, automatic seat belts, air bags, or traction control.

Installing a vehicle recovery systems such as LoJack or Teletracer can save you up to 7-10% per year.

Other Anti-theft devices like The Club are relatively inexpensive and can also help to reduce your insurance premiums.

4.Consolidate Insurance Policies

Insuring two or more vehicles through the same insurance company can help to reduce your insurance rates by as much as 10%-15%. Covering your home through the same company that insures your vehicles can help lower your rates by an additional 10%-15%.

5. Teenagers and College Bound Drivers

Teenagers and college bound drivers may consider driving the family car instead of driving his or her own vehicle. Students attending school and living away from home can reduce their premiums by as much as 30-50 percent this way.

6.Take Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts

Many insurance companies offer reduced insurance rates to people who car pool to work or find other ways to keep their mileage low.

7.Safety Courses

Along with having a clean driving record, taking additional drivers safety courses could save you some 7-10% on your car insurance. If you are given a traffic citation, ask about the types of courses they offer. Some states willing to keep your insurance record clean if you agree to take complete these courses.

Conclusion

Lowering your auto insurance, in many instances, is about knowing what questions to ask and what you are entitled to. Since many companies arent going to do your homework for you, here is the short list of discounts you should inquire about:

[ Low Mileage
[ $500 Deductible
[ $1000 Deductible
[ More than One Car
[ No Accidents in 3 Years, 5 Years, and so on
[ No Moving Violations in 3 Years
[ Driver Training Course
[ Defensive Driving Courses
[ Anti-Theft Devices
[ Safety Features (like Air Bags, Anti-lock Brakes, Daytime Running Lights, etc.)
[ Student Drivers with Good Grades
[ Consolidating Policies
[ College Students Away From Home
[ Long-Time Customers
[ Discounts for Non Smokers and Retirees

Deductions will vary from state to state and from insurance company to insurance company. So be sure to ask.

Also the key to lowering your auto insurance rate is not necessarily how many discounts you are eligible for. Its the bottom line that matters.

Jared Myers helps drivers lower their auto insurance rates by quick comparison shopping. Get your free car insurance quote now at http://www.FreeCarInsuranceQuotes.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JaredMyers
http://EzineArticles.com/?Lower-Your-Car-Insurance-Rate&id=192266

Wednesday, 8 October 2008

Things to Consider before Choosing a Managed Care Plan

Things to Consider before Choosing a Managed Care Plan
By George Wood

Before choosing a healthcare insurance plan you have to consider a few important things to decide which one will be the best for you. There are many plans to choose from. You can also prefer a traditional health insurance service than the ones that have recently gained popularity: the managed care plans. However, pay attention to the following tips so that you dont get confused while choosing the right plan for yourself and your family.

First of all you will have to determine if the healthcare plan you are about to choose is affordable for you. You need to know how much it will cost you on a monthly and yearly basis. If the plan or service is not that much expensive you may consider insuring most of your healthcare expenses. Ask the insurance company if you will have to pay deductibles before your medical bills will be covered by the plan. If you use a doctor who is not listed on the network of the plan you are about to buy, you need to know how much it will cost you to get referral or simply go and see the doctor. You should also know that how often you will be able to see your doctor under a specific plan and how much you will have to pay at each visit.

After analyzing the overall cost associated with a specific healthcare plan, see the list of doctors that will be provided to you. Its also very important to consider because you may not be given a referral to some specialist you immediately need to see under a specific policy. In such a case you will have to pay all the bills yourself. Also see if the doctor you want to choose as your Primary Care Physician is available on the network. You may have two or three choices of doctors and if thats the case choosing a policy will not be that difficult. Also see how many specialists are available. If you have to see a specialist every four to six months then you may want the one you are already familiar and comfortable with. Dentists, eye-specialists and gynecologists are especially important because everyone needs them at some point in their life.

Types and number of services available under a specific healthcare plan is another important thing to consider before choosing it. You need to know if the services offered by them are the ones you really need. Doctors also come under this category, but you need to consider hospitals, healthcare centers and other medical providers as well. Where you will be going to get care, how far away the hospitals are, and will you be able to see a specialist without permission are some of the main questions that you need to know the answers to. Emergency care, care for a pregnant woman and the charges associated with childbirth, and other major operations such as having removed your wisdom teeth and having a laser eye treatment are some of the areas you need information on.

George Wood is a successful webmaster of many popular sites including auto insurance quotes and mortgage insurance site. If you want to read more about insurance, click over to George home insurance site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=GeorgeWood
http://EzineArticles.com/?Things-to-Consider-before-Choosing-a-Managed-Care-Plan&id=386060

5 Mistakes People Make When Buying Long Term Care Insurance and How To Avoid Them

5 Mistakes People Make When Buying Long Term Care Insurance and How To Avoid Them
By Robert B. Scott

1. Buying based on Fear

Although there are cases where an individual may require Long Term Care services for 10 years or more due to Alzheimers or other chronic illnesses, these cases are infrequent. Out of $1Billion dollars spent on actual claims by insurance companies over the last 10 years, 98% of all claims were closed in 60 months. 93% of all claims were closed in less than 36 months. If you buy a policy that covers care for 5 years, you will be covering 98% of the statistical risk. Be careful if you do not have the resources to cover costs over this amount of time. If you buy a Lifetime plan, consider reducing the daily benefit and self insuring part of the cost. Some companies offer a Shared Care Rider that will allow you to borrow benefits from your spouses policy allowing you to save money while still getting a great policy.

2. Buying the lowest price

Some insurance companies may underprice their policies to attract buyers. The price may seem great at the time, but beware of price increases. Some companies using this strategy have had rate increases as high as 50% in one year. If you buy one of these policies, be sure and add the nonforfeiture option in case you get an unaffordable rate increases in the future and have to cancel. When this happens you may be unable to change companies due to a health change and higher premiums due to your increased age. Ask your agent how often the company has raised rates on current customers in the past. Also ask if the company can increase the rates on you. If they say NO, kindly ask them if they would put that promise in writing. Guaranteed Renewable does not mean rates will never go up. It is rare that changing companies after a few years is a good thing to do. Proceed with caution when an agent recommends you cancel a current policy for another based solely on price unless you are getting a top rated carrier with similar benefits.

3. Buying from a small company

Top rated high asset based companies are usually the safest to do business with. They have a proven track record. Ask your agent about the size of the company and consider only offers from large companies such as Allianz, Met Life, Prudential, Mass Mutual, Great American, Genworth, John Hancock...Some of these companies have never had a rate increase on existing customers, but they do not guarantee they never will. If you have questionable health, you may only be able to buy from smaller companies willing to take the risk at higher prices or lower benefit levels. (Penn Treaty)These will probably be priced at higher rates -GULP. It is also advisable to use an agent with access to several of these companies so you can get the best policy/price blend. Rates can vary by as much as $700 per year due to age and health at the time of purchase, so it pays to let your agent shop this business to several companies. (Weiss, Standard and Poor's, AM Best) are insurance rating companies. Ask your agent for the ratings from these companies and make sure you understand what they mean.

4. Belief that Medicare will cover your 90 day elimination period

Medicare pays the first 20 days of SKILLED care after you have been hospitalized. You or your Medicare supplement policy pay over $119 per day(2006) (this copay may go up annually) copay for the next 80 days assuming you are still recieving skilled care. Medicare DOES NOT pay for any custodial care. You must be able to pay $130+ per day (varies by state)or over $12,000 for a 90 day elimination period. Remember this amount increases annually with inflationary pressure. In 20 years this could be $36,000. Be careful when deciding on this feature. You may be able to get a 0, 20, 30, 60, 90, 100, 180 or even 360 day deductible. Cost is higher with fewer days selected but well worth it.

5. Buying nothing if one spouse is uninsurable

Although it seems unfair for an insurance company to decline someone, they are insuring a risk that will eventuually effect as much as 50%+ of the population (New England Journal of Medicine). It is unwise to think you are punishing the insurance company by declining coverage on the healthy spouse. The healthy one today could be the first one to need care tomorrow. Consider adding indemnity benefits to your own policy to make up for the difference.

http://www.robertbscott.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RobertB.Scott
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Mistakes-People-Make-When-Buying-Long-Term-Care-Insurance-and-How-To-Avoid-Them&id=282470

Tuesday, 7 October 2008

Cheap Line Car Insurance Quote How To Get considerable Savings

Cheap Line Car Insurance Quote -- How To Get considerable Savings
By Chimezirim Chinecherem Odimba

Cheap line car insurance quote -- Your ignorance of a crucial piece of information may add $1000 to your vehicle insurance premium. Do this one for yourself then and just read through this article. You'll discover how you can make a lot of savings on your vehicle insurance without sacrificing things that are most important to you...

Your premium is calculated based on the risk of insuring you. When preparing your vehicle insurance quote, insurers look at several factors that enable them work out the risk they stand in insuring you. However, they all score each of these factors differently. And that's the reason you can either make savings or losses.

To take advantage of this disparity, you have to do some smart comparison shopping. And don't get me wrong, you can readily get top quality insurance without much research. What you may be throwing away, though, may be in the neighborhood of several hundred dollars or sometimes above $1000.

And, do not confuse issues. Getting a cheap line car insurance quote doesn't mean shortchanging yourself. The point of all I am saying is buying the best cover for you at the best price possible. If you pay a low premium for insurance that doesn't give adequate coverage, you are paying too much. Get as much savings as possible without cutting corners on the level of cover you get.

You can handle everything easily online. All you have to do is visit a site, fill a questionnaire and you get your estimate. To obtain quotes is free and rarely takes up to 10 minutes. This definitely makes it simple for you to get a good number of vehicle insurance quotes. Because you can't predict which insurer will offer you the best price/value, it is highly suggested that you request as many quotes insurance quotes as possible.

Did I inform you that requesting for your vehicle insurance quotes online really brings in some savings on its own? You reduce the cost of customer acquisition to insurers. As a bait from insurance companies to do business with them online, they offer you lower rates than otherwise.

I have made the whole process even easier by recommending below two highly reputable sites that provide quotes from A rated companies. From the quotes returned you can get your cheap line car insurance quote. All you have to do is click each link and complete the questionnaire. Auto Insurance Quotes

Hometown Auto Insurance Quotes in Minutes

Chimezirim Odimba writes for Car Insurance.

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5 Lazy Tips To Get Cheaper Car Insurance

5 Lazy Tips To Get Cheaper Car Insurance
By Nash Burns

Cheap car insurance are all over the place these days but sometime it's just too good to be true. Finding cheap car insurance is just a matter of logging in on the internet and you can compare quotes in as little as 5 minutes, but is cheaper always means that it is better? Getting cheap car insurance no longer takes much effort on your side.

Paying for the car insurance and making claims form the car insurance company are not the same and this is where most pitfalls are with car insurance company. When it comes to getting the greens out of your pocket, cheap car insurance company may be the way to go.

There are ways to reduce the cost of your car insurance even with the best of companies. Here are some tips for those looking for cheap car insurance to help reduce the cost of car insurance without compromising other things.

Cheaper car insurance tips just for you!:

The higher the risk your car is, the more premiums you have to pay for. Be sure to inform your insurance company of any additional safety devices, anti-theft devices on your car as this is a sure way of reducing your insurance cost. The cost of your insurance can sometime be lowered when you installed safety devices that are not standard in your vehicle.

The cost of your policy is directly related to this amount. People who has been paying the amount year after year sometimes forget to vary the deductible amount and yet they complaint of high cost of car insurance policy. If you are sure that you drive responsibly than you should not worry about reducing the deductible amount as it is only use in the event of an accident. Getting a cheaper car insurance can be as easy as varying the deductible amount.

Drive carefully. Although it sounds a little trite to say it, your car insurance cost is a factor of your risk profile. The more traffic offense you make, the more you insurance is going to cost you. These things are all taken into account and you should take care with how you drive. It all adds up onto your bill. There are big safe driver discounts available.

Some people may already have another type of insurance form other company. Many insurers offer a discount for multiple policies. If you insure your house with a certain company then ring them up and find out if they do car insurance. Since you already have an account with them, it is highly likely that youll get a discounted offer. If they dont, just ask for it!

Find a good online discount car insurance broker before renewing. The internet is a fabulous resource. All sorts of discount insurance companies are available on the internet. Get the fastest quote from these companies. Getting online car insurance quotes cant be much simpler nowadays. Often companies offer free quotes and you can get it from as much companies as possible.

Feeling that your car insurance is getting too much to handle? Use the tips above and you'll get better deal and better value for your money.

Get more tips on Cheap Car Insurance at this site and host of other car insurance related info. Best Of all, they are all FREE.http://www.cheap-car-insurance.factips.com

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How to Get a Free Car Insurance Quote That is Cheap

How to Get a Free Car Insurance Quote That is Cheap
By Elizabeth Newberry

The easiest way to get a free, cheap car insurance quote is to get it online. There are seemingly thousands of Web sites today that offer free, cheap car insurance quotes. Not only does the abundance of Web sites make it easy to get a car insurance quote, but it makes it easy to get multiple car insurance quotes. In the time it would take you to visit a number of different car insurance agencies, you could get twice the number of car insurance quotes without leaving the comfort of your home!

Before you begin searching for your free, cheap car insurance quote, you should have some information prepared. Each car insurance Web site will ask you a variety of questions, and you do not want to have to leave the computer to search for long lost paperwork.

Be prepared to provide the following information to get your free, cheap car insurance quote online:

Basic information about yourself (name, contact, address, whether all of your vehicles are located at this address)
Personal information about yourself (birth date, gender, marital status, the date you obtained your first drivers license, employment status, etc.)
Your current insurance status
Basic information about your car (year, make, model, safety elements, where the car is driven, how often the car is driven, etc.)
The number of drivers who regularly drive your car, as well as basic information about them (age, gender, how long they have been driving, etc.)

Most of this information will be easy for you to provide; however, some car insurance Web sites that provide free, cheap car insurance quotes dig a bit deeper and ask more detailed questions about your car such as the exact mileage, while some as for the specific information about your current car insurance policy. Aside from collecting the above information, you may want to keep your current car insurance policy handy for reference.

To get free quotes and learn more about insurance please visit the following recommended sites.

Where to Get a Free Car Insurance Quote That is Cheap
Health insurance that will not take away your life
Affordable life insurance for people changing careers

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Monday, 6 October 2008

5 Important Tips for Insuring Your Luxury Sports Car

5 Important Tips for Insuring Your Luxury Sports Car
By

Car Insurance Quotes 5 Steps to the Best Quotes

Car Insurance Quotes - 5 Steps to the Best Quotes
By Edward Welch

Car insurance quotes have become quite popular. Everywhere you look someone is telling you how much money youll save enticing you to look up their car insurance quotes. Before leaping into the murky pool of car insurance quotes take a look at these five steps that will surely help you get the best quotes.

1) There are many car insurance companies that will gladly compete for your business. Obtain car insurance quotes from at least five car insurance companies. After all, most people shop around before making a major purchase it only makes sense to shop around when looking for car insurance quotes.

2) When filling out the necessary information to obtain car insurance quotes be certain the information you submit is accurate. Car insurance companies tend to find out things anyway, so you might as well be as accurate as possible. Car insurance quotes are only as good as the information upon which they were calculated. Its important that the information you use to obtain your quote is the same information the car insurance company will use when writing your policy.

3) Obtaining car insurance quotes will usually require that you submit information such that a salesperson will be contacting you sometime after you receive the quotes. Its important that you dont let this person talk you into purchasing a car insurance policy until you have received car insurance quotes from all of the insurance companies youre researching. You dont need to be rude but simply inform the salesperson that your research is not yet completed and you wont be making a decision today.

4) When you have received all the car insurance quotes narrow the list down to the two best quotes. Do some research on those two car insurance companies. Focus on the aspects of service which are most important to you.

5) Most importantly, make sure you are the person in charge of the car insurance quotes. More specifically, take all the necessary steps to insure that you will truly receive those rates that were quoted. In other words, dont let a car insurance company offer you attractive car insurance quotes then tell you later that because of this or that you will need to pay more. Remember, you are the customer youre in control and there are many other car insurance companies that will always be interested in your business.

E Lawrence Welch

Mr. Welch is a student of business, life, love, marriage and relationships. Also, he owns and operates an online retail holster store - Pyle Mountain Holsters. Additionally, he maintains the Car Insurance Snoop Blog.

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Free Online Car Insurance Quotes

Free Online Car Insurance Quotes
By Marcus Peterson

Getting insurance coverage for your car has become easy, due to online sites that are insurance marketplaces. The sites are set up as a free online service, and you dont have to pay anything to make use of these sites or their quotemakers.

The sites operate 24/7, and customers can establish contact either by e-mail or even over the phone. Some sites only cover one state, but have a system whereby they will refer you to another site which will be in a position to provide insurance in the state or states you require.

Sites which offer free quotes as well as other facilities include: Insure.com http://www.insure.com/ where you can get quotes from multiple providers and save as much as 25% on car insurance; Auto Insurance Quotes 4 Free http://www.auto-insurance-quotes-4-free.com/ offers up to four free quotes along with many other services; and InsuranceFinder http://www.insurancefinder.com/ which has multiple functions and offers a whole bouquet of insurance services.

The workings are easy. Once you get the quote and have made a choice, all you need to do is give the site a call or send an e-mail detailing your choice and needs. The representative of the chosen auto insurance provider will get in touch with you.

Quotes between companies and even between different online auto insurance sites may vary because of the parameters provided by you, any special discounts you may be eligible for, or special offers being run by various companies or sites. This being so, you could be smart and comparison shop, not just between auto insurance providers but different online sites.

Be sure to check whether the quote is comprehensive and covers all the bare essentials in keeping with the laws of the state you reside in. Read through the offer documents carefully, and make sure you understand even the fine print.

Online Car Insurance provides detailed information on Online Car Insurance, Online Auto Insurance Quotes, Free Online Car Insurance Quotes, Cheap Online Car Insurance Quotes and more. Online Car Insurance is affiliated with Online Term Life Insurance Quotes.

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4 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Quotes

4 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Quotes
By Steven Kelley

Many people complain of having outrageously high car insurance quotes. It seems like everyone has to pay extremely high car insurance payments because of the mistakes of few. However, you should not be discouraged. There are simple things that you can do to significantly lower your car insurance quotes. In turn, you will have more money to spend on other things, and you wont have to cringe every time your insurance bill comes in the mail.

1. One of the easiest ways to lower quotes is to pay a higher deductible. Many people try to get the lowest deductible possible because they think it will save them money in the long run. In reality, paying a higher deductible will lower your periodic premium amount. This is great if you are an extremely careful driver and are not particularly worried about being in many accidents. It should be noted that paying a higher deductible will mean that if something does happen to your vehicle you will have to pay more for the initial expenses before you even go in for a claim.

2. Another great way to lower quotes is to take a defensive driving course, or if you are in school, get good grades. Many people do not take advantage of these breaks offered by insurance companies. In fact, taking a state-approved defensive driving course can give you discounts of up to 10% on a premium. Discounts for good grades can also save you some decent cash. It is a good idea to check with your insurance company to see if they offer discounts, and how much they are.

3. Parking in a garage is also a great way to lower quotes. In certain situations, this can take off almost 20% of a premium. This percentage is so high because in a garage a vehicle is less likely to get stolen or vandalized. Additionally, a car in a garage is less likely to be damaged by other cars. Insurance companies are always rewarding lower-risk clients; so parking in a garage can make you one of these preferred clients.

4. Probably the best way to lower your car insurance quotes is to simply take the time to shop around. Different companies offer different rates. One company may judge you as high risk and not offer you the best rate. At the same time, another company may judge you as lower risk and therefore give you a better rate. Searching for quotes is not difficult, and can even be done online. Lowering car insurance quotes may seem like a daunting task, but following a few simple tips can drastically reduce your payments.

Steven Kelley recommends that you visit Insurance-Compare-Save.com to get lower car insurance quotes.

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Aging Parents and LongTerm Care Insurance

Aging Parents and Long-Term Care Insurance
By Elizabeth Newberry

Talking with an aging parent about purchasing long-term care insurance isnt usually a cheerful conversation. Fortunately, not everyone has to talk with an aging parent about purchasing long-term care insurance. Some aging people have enough money saved to cover the cost of long-term care. Many times aging widows can rely on the money from their deceased husbands pension. For example, an aging woman who was married to a coal miner who developed black lung disease or another respiratory problem will usually receive a check until the day she, too, passes on. Sometimes these pensions are enough to cover the cost, or at least a chunk of the cost, of long-term care.

But not everyone has enough money to cover the cost of long-term care, and not everyone receives a pension to help cover the cost of long-term care. If you have an aging parent, or aging parents, its best to talk with them about purchasing long-term care insurance sooner than later.

Since most people dont want to be told theyre aging, its best to approach the topic of purchasing long-term care insurance very delicately; otherwise, your aging parent may think you just want to make sure he or she is off your hands should he or she get sick and need long-term care.

Explain to your aging parent that while she is still full of energy and life, she is getting on in years. Express the fact that you love her, and want to make sure she has the best available care if there should ever come a time when she needs long-term care beyond your expertise or ability. Explain to your aging parent that you simply dont want her to be without the best of care should there come a time when she needs long-term care, and that by purchasing long-term care insurance, you can all rest assured that the best possible care will be available if ever needed.

Home Owners Insurance Quote New Jersey
Car Insurance Quotes New York
Find Student Health Insurance Companies Online

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You Need To Take Control Of Road Rage To Keep You Car Insurance Costs Down

You Need To Take Control Of Road Rage To Keep You Car Insurance Costs Down
By Elizabeth Ogunleye

Always remember that the way you handle road rage will have a direct bearing on your insurance costs.

Road rage is a serious problem that causes motorists to behave in very strange and bizarre ways. Many times it culminates in violence and even death. Yet many people still do not take it seriously. There is a significant number of people who believe that road rage is in fact an invention of the media. Many others do not believe that it is a serious problem. Yet statistics shows that it takes hundreds of lives every year on our roads. Many times road rage causes serious road accidents.

For car insurance purposes, there is no way that you can ignore road rage.

Drivers need to prepare themselves so as to avoid being victims of road rage, which could lead to accidents, and an adjustment of their insurance premiums. It is important to always assume that the driver next to you is a ticking bomb just waiting to explode. It is also equally wise to assume that they have some concealed weapons hidden somewhere in their car. What this means is that you should avoid any sort of confrontation at all costs. Not only will this go a long way in helping you avoid higher car insurance costs, but it could also be the thing that saves your life.

To start with make every effort to allow plenty of time for any trip you would like to take. Then you must ignore gestures from other drivers and keep your cool, no matter how bad your day is going. Make sure that you avoid eye contact at all costs.

It is never a good idea to insist on the right of way when challenged by another driver. It matters little whether you are right or wrong. Most of all never follow another driver to give them a piece of your mind about their driving habits or behavior on the road.

Although these tips for your protection against road rage may make you look like a weak geek or nerd, they will go a long way in keeping your car insurance costs low and maybe even saving your life.

There is much more auto insurance tips at the writer's auto insurance site.

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How to Find the Best Rates on Long Term Care Insurance in Pennsylvania

How to Find the Best Rates on Long Term Care Insurance in Pennsylvania
By Deborah Mills

Although long term care insurance isnt going to be a necessity in the lives of everyone, it is vitally important to many people. As people age they face many different health conditions, some resulting in the need for extra, daily care. For those people having a long term care insurance plan in place is essential for them to live comfortably and with the care they need. In Pennsylvania if an individual has a pre-existing medical condition, they may have to wait up to six months before an insurance company will underwrite a policy for them. This is a good reminder of how important it is to apply early to ensure effective coverage is in place when its really needed.

In addition to having adequate coverage most people are concerned with the impact their long term care insurance premiums will have on their bank account. Paying a small fortune for insurance you may never use, its appealing to anyone. Therefore its a good idea to try and secure a low quote on a policy that covers the basics.

One great way many couples can find a low rate on long term health insurance is to purchase a joint policy. The policy provides coverage for both individuals in the event that one or the other or both need long term care. One of the most compelling reasons couples should consider this type of joint policy is that in some cases, if one spouse dies after the policy has been in place for several years, the remaining premiums for the surviving spouse are automatically covered. This can be a godsend to someone who has just lost their spouse and doesnt have the resources needed to continue paying the premiums. Anyone who wants coverage along with their spouse needs to really weigh the advantages of one of these plans.

Recommended sites for low rate insurance

Best Rates on Long Term Care Insurance Quotes in Pennsylvania
Instant Long Term Care Health Insurance Quotes Online

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Regulations Concerning Long Term Care Insurance in Florida

Regulations Concerning Long Term Care Insurance in Florida
By Elizabeth Newberry

Whereas the rules and regulations governing long term care insurance can be complex, in most states, there are some standard guidelines which must be adhered to. Florida is no exception and policies are issued under strict rules and policies.

In Florida, a long term care policy must cover at least two years of nursing home coverage. A policy must also provide coverage for what is known as a lower level of care, such as adult day care or home health care. The three basic levels of care are known as skilled, intermediate and custodial.

Some long term care policies offer certain tax advantages, known as qualified policies. Although they tend to offer the same benefits as other types of policies, the eligibility requirements may vary on these qualified policies.

If you are considering taking out a long term care policy, as with all major purchases, it pays to shop around. Compare premium amounts, level of service offered as well as any other features you may require. The coverage will be based upon your age, income level and general health. In Florida, you have the right to see a copy of your coverage in easy to understand terms.

Long term care policies sold and issued in Florida cannot exclude coverage for named medical conditions or such conditions as dementia or Alzheimers. A long term care policy will typically not include coverage for such things as nervous disorders, drug addiction or attempted suicide.

Under Florida law, you have certain other regulations that your insurance company must follow when you take out a long term policy. The insurance company cannot cancel your policy unless you simply dont pay your premiums or you do not disclose required information. State law in Florida also requires companies to offer protection against inflation on long term care policies.

And Florida may soon have the strictest guidelines in the United States covering long term care insurance. A bill passed in early 2006 aims to protect current policy holders from huge rate increases as well as making long term care insurance affordable for all Floridians.

Visit our website to find helpful auto insurance policy information, findNassau home insurance, orget Alabama car insurance.

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Saturday, 4 October 2008

Three Ways to Buy Long Term Care Without Paying Premiums Out of Your Pocket

Three Ways to Buy Long Term Care Without Paying Premiums Out of Your Pocket
By Robert Cavanaugh

Stop 100 people over 65 on the street and ask them if they will ever need to go to a nursing home and 99 will say, No! Folks tend to equate long term care insurance with nursing homes, but there are other aspects of long term care. Home care, assisted living, adult day care and hospice care are all forms of long term care which cost money where the person never sees the inside of a nursing home.

Planning for the many types of long term care just makes good financial planning sense.

However, long term care can be expensive, especially if a person waits too long to buy it. Age and health problems could make premiums prohibitive or even render the coverage unattainable.

What if there was a way to make sure you had long term care coverage if you ever needed it, but never had to take premiums to pay for it out of your income? Actually, there are quite a few. Lets look at three of them

1. Sell a life insurance policy.

Unbeknownst to many people, there is an after market for life insurance policies that have served their purpose and are no longer needed. There are companies that will buy policies on behalf of pension and institutional funds which hold them as part of their investment portfolio. The best part is that they will buy them for more than the cash value.

Other insurance policies that may be a candidate are those where the premium takes a huge hike because of the drop in interest rates, policies with maximum loans about ready to collapse and create a taxable gain but with no money to pay the tax or even term insurance policies that are nearing the end of their term.

When a policy is sold, one option would be to transfer all, or a portion, of the proceeds into an asset based long term care plan. Done deal. Ask your financial planner about asset based LTC plans.

2. Withdraw money from an annuity.

Over 90% of the people who own a non-qualified deferred annuity die owning it. It is never converted to a life income. Essentially it serves as a longer term rainy day fund than a CD. The fact that the interest earned is not currently taxable is an attractive feature and makes the money grow faster than a taxable CD.

However, at some point the piper must be paid. When someone dies holding an annuity and leave it to their children, the children are required to pay the tax on the gain. You may have heard this referred to as the annuity ticking time bomb.

There is a way to avert this time bomb tax, provide long term care for yourself and not take any money out of your budget. There are several ways to skin this cat.

a. If your annuity is large enough, simply take the 10% penalty-free withdrawals each year and move them into a 10-pay long term care plan.

b. The only mental deterrent that comes up on this suggestion is that there may be remaining surrender charges on the annuity. No problem. Most companies allow you to annuitize. If the annuity pay-out period is at least 10 years, most of them waive any surrender charges.

3. Exchange all or a portion of a CD, non-qualified deferred annuity, variable annuity or IRA for an annuity/long term care combination plan.

This entails simply moving money from one of your pockets to another. The difference is that the pocket to which the money is moved has long term care benefits in it as well. This technique also uses the asset based long term care plan approach.

So there you have it. Three ways to get long term care without a premium coming out of your pocket.

Robert D. Cavanaugh, CLU is a 36 year financial and estate planning veteran and author of the free newsletter, The Estate Preservation Advisor. To subscribe and get the free video, How to Sell Your Life Insurance Policy for More Than the Cash Value, go to http://theestatepreservationadvisor.com/freevideo.htm

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