Disability insurance exists to help replace lost income in the event you should suffer an illness or injury. Most disability insurance companies define “disabled” as the inability to perform the duties of one’s occupation.

Typically, you have to wait a specified length of time until you are eligible to collect benefits from a disability insurance policy. This is why this is one kind of insurance that you should make an effort to acquire as soon as possible. In fact, the one factor that usually drastically distinguishes one disability insurance policy from another is the length of the waiting periods that must expire before you are considered for insurance. These waiting periods are referred to as “elimination periods” in a policy.

The typical lengths of elimination periods are thirty days, three months, six months and one year. Depending on which policy you decide to invest in, the coverage can have a length of two years, five years, to the age of 65 years or until death. The longer the length of coverage, the higher the premium, although there is a discount often built into the deal for those who opt to buy lengthier coverage.

Before you consider any disability insurance plan it is important for you to assess the reputation of the insurance company that you are dealing with. There are many government-run and independent consumer organizations that offer brochures and sites online that rate these insurance companies in terms of their financial security and ability to pay claims. Insurance experts recommend choosing a company that is within the top three companies rated by these lists. You are advised not to sign a policy with a company that appears to be receiving a substantial amount of financial aid from the government.

Since disability insurance policies are designed to replace income lost as a result of injury it is important to understand how consistently benefits are paid out in case you have to make a claim. Keep in mind, that a long waiting period can be devastating if you are completely disabled due to an injury. Before you sign on the dotted line make sure you fully understand the insurance company’s protocols in terms of short and long-term disability.

It is also a good idea to inquire as to what happens if you happen to miss a payment. Know what your grace period is and make certain that the insurance company receives your premium on time. Coverage can be canceled without notice if premiums are not paid by the due date. It is possible to convince the company to reinstate your coverage if this occurs, but usually when you miss a payment your request is denied. In such a scenario you could be without disability insurance for quite a long time as you apply to a new company and wait for the elimination period to be completed for an additional policy.

Your application for disability insurance can also be delayed if you send in incomplete information. Never assume that you are covered by a disability insurance possibility until you have received official notice from the company.

Once you have received notice that you have disability insurance coverage, your next step is to wait for the elimination period to expire and make sure that you pay your premiums on time. This will ensure that you have disability insurance for a long time to come in the future.

Mortgage insurance is highly recommended for individuals who own homes simply because a sudden drop in income can sabotage your ability to pay your bills. Although some assistance is available from the United States government to help you pay your mortgage if you lose your job, you have to wait nine months before you can apply. Buying mortgage insurance might be the only way to ensure that your home will not be taken away.

Before investing in a mortgage insurance policy you need to decide how long of a term you would need to apply for if you lost your job. Most companies offer coverage for successive annual periods such as one year, two, three years and so on. If you are satisfied that you would be able to find a job within one year of losing your current one, then only buy a one year term. These terms are called the Benefit Periods. Keep in mind that the longer the Benefit Period, the more expensive your premiums.

Most mortgage insurance policies also have some “hitches” in the fine print as well. You need to read the policy carefully when it comes to an explanation of both the Initial Exclusion Period as well as something called an Excess Period.

The Initial Exclusion period prevents you from collecting unemployment insurance immediately after submitting your policy. Depending on the company, the Initial Exclusion period can be thirty to sixty days or even longer. Don’t plan on losing your job until you are sure this Initial Exclusion period has passed or you won’t receive any benefits!

Also watch out for the Excess Period. Every time you make a claim for mortgage insurance benefits your policy might exclude anywhere from thirty to sixty days from your claim. For instance if you claim for seventy days of unemployment, but your Excess Period is sixty days, then you will receive a payment for ten days as opposed to seventy.

Some unemployment insurance companies will also hold your payments for a set number of days such as thirty days, sixty or more. Examine your contract carefully to see how many weeks you will have to survive on your own resources before you receive the first mortgage insurance check.

Also according to some policies, you may not be eligible to make a claim until you have been unemployed for a minimum period. For instance, you may not be able to file for benefits if you have only been unemployed for fifteen days, but your policy states that you must be unemployed for at least 30 days before you can collect.

Most insurance companies will not insure your mortgage if you resign from your job. You usually need to provide proof to the company that your unemployment was involuntary.

Mortgage insurance can spare you unnecessary suffering and expense if you do happen to be fired, laid off or cut back at your job. However, before you purchase mortgage insurance check out what you are eligible for in terms of government benefits and be sure to shop around and compare mortgage insurance quotes from different companies so that you purchase the best possible type of plan for you.

Long term care insurance describes insurance policies that are designed to help cover the cost of supervision or care over the course of a long term illness or disability. Long term care insurance also covers illnesses or disabilities that are simply due to the process of aging. This type of health insurance is not cheap, however it can be an invaluable asset when it comes to protecting your well-being and financial security later in life. However one perk is that long term care insurance is a tax deduction in the United States. Not only are long term care insurance premiums deductible, but any eventual benefits you receive are tax-free too.

Long-term care insurance can be important because standard health policies such as medigap and Medicare just don’t cover extensive periods of illness. These policies also don’t cover special needs or the requirements of those who may need flexible care. Although Medicare will sometimes cover long-term care, you generally don’t qualify for coverage unless you have absolutely no savings or assets at all.

The cost of buying long term care insurance varies greatly from company to company and premiums can cost as little as $250 a year to $6000 or more. The cost of the premium depends on many factors including your age, your health, the extent of your coverage and the age at which you first purchased your coverage. The best long term care insurance policies maintain your payment at the cost of your original premium for as long as you continue the coverage.

It is to your advantage to buy long term coverage earlier in life than later. The cost of coverage at age 65 years of age is about three times as much as the same coverage at 50 years. Buying long term care insurance if you’re already ill can be almost impossible. So if you know that long term care might be in your future, it’s wise to start shopping around for a policy as early in life as possible. A good health insurance agent can help older applicants find a policy that is tailored to their needs and saves them money.

The character of a long term care insurance can change according to your needs, your budgets and what the company is willing to offer you in terms of coverage. However most policies tend to cover the insured for residential assistance, round-the-clock care, visits by skilled medical workers, rehabilitative care, nursing home visits and care in a hospice.

To make sure that you get the best long term care insurance possible make sure you do your research, take the time to compare policies and then follow through on your intentions. Also try to have some patience when it comes to understanding long term policies. If you feel that the information is “above your head” many long term care insurance companies, government agents and advocacy groups publish information about the subject on the Internet.

In February 2004 the Motorcycle Industry Council reported that bike sales had risen for the 11th consecutive year and that in 2003 there were approximately 996,000 new motorcycles sold in the United States. At the same time, the US Department of Transportation, says that 3,162 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2002. There is no doubt that motorcycling is fun, but whilst it is undoubtedly true that it has never been more popular to hop onto two wheels; it is also statistically a far more dangerous pursuit then jumping in the car and taking off for the open road. Accordingly getting yourself fixed up with comprehensive motorcycle insurance has never been more important.

Be aware that insurance premiums can be costly and physical damage coverage may be difficult to obtain for a high performance motorcycle or if you have a poor driving record. Check with an insurance agent for a premium quote (you can get an instant quote below) before buying a motorcycle or motor scooter. As you do not want to discover that you cannot ride your new pride and joy because you cannot afford the insurance or it is not available for your circumstances. In any case it is worth getting a quote as it is also perfectly possible that you will be pleasantly surprised at how affordable the motorcycle insurance is!

You need to check exactly what your liability coverage is, and also what medical payments would be payable in the event of a car accident. What cover you have for any physical damage to the bike, and also what your position is if you are involved in an accident with someone who is not insured. If you have a clean licence and are older, then the cost of the motorcycle insurance is likely to be lower. Though the type of motorcycle you are riding will have the biggest affect on the premiums. As with ANY insurance you need to make sure that your policy has all the coverages you requested, and also exactly what is and is not covered.

A motorcycle life with the wind in your hair is fabulous. But it is worth getting your insurance sorted out first!

When setting up a new business, it is very tempting to only purchase the minimum amount of business insurance required by law. This is called liability insurance. This kind of business insurance protects against risks to third parties. An example is the lawsuit launched by an employee who falls on an icy sidewalk in front of your store.

Often by the time the new business is up and running, the owner is so caught up in the day-to-day management of the venture that he or she never bothers to take a second look at other business insurance options. Many new business-owners don’t look into purchasing additional coverage until they find themselves struck by a worst-case scenario.

Hindsight is not any better than foresight when it comes to dealing with such matters as faulty inventory, spoiled product, theft, accidents and attacks on your reputation. This is why it is prudent to make sure you are covered in the case of any eventuality that could possibly sink you financially.

To purchase the business insurance that is right for you, it is essential to define the exact nature of your operations. For instance, if you are running a business that manufactures paraffin candles you may want to consider buying Property Insurance that protects you in case of an explosion. A florist may opt to purchase Goods in Transit insurance in case flowers wilt on the way to their destination. A health professional, such as a dentist should purchase Professional Indemnity insurance. This is in case that little old lady, who is never happy with the way her dentures fit, decides to sue.

Business insurance is divided into three basic categories: Liabilities, Property and Buildings and Business Assets and Equipment.

The most common kind of liability insurance is Employer’s Liability insurance. In most countries, you cannot start a legal business without first taking out this kind of business insurance. This coverage ensures that you are not stuck with the bill if one of your employees suffers illness, disease or injury. This type of insurance is a must if your business entails working with heavy machinery, heights or volatile materials.

Another type of liability insurance is Public insurance. This is recommended for those in the service or supply industries. This insures you in the event that a member of the public is injured, diseased or hurt by your business practices. Examples of the kind of scenario that would require liability business insurance are the little boy who is bitten by a goat at your petting zoo, or the car that is hit by your outdoor swinging sign after being pried loose by a furious storm.

You are liable for manufacturing a faulty product that causes death, illness, disease or injury. Keep in mind that even if you are just a supplier of this product, the consumer could also sue you. Product liability insurance ensures that you don’t take the fall for selling a product with a manufacturing defect. This kind of business insurance is essential for both manufacturers and suppliers. For instance, if a customer’s child suffers harm because or a faulty baby swing, both the manufacturer and the seller might be liable for the medical bills.

In most medical practices, Professional Indemnity insurance is mandatory. This type of business insurance provides protection against clients or customers who feel that they have received negligent treatment and as a result have incurred health or financial losses. If your business involves constancy of any kind, including financial, chiropractic or counseling, you need to consider investing in Professional Indemnity insurance.

Key Man insurance is recommended for small businesses that rely heavily on two or three people to keep the business thriving. If you should lose an essential Colleague for any reason, you are financially compensated for the missing link in your corporate structure. This insurance is essential for multi-media, design, advertising and travel firms.

The world seems to be full of personal terrorism these days, and no business is immune to vandalism or willful destruction of property. Sometimes this damage can lead to a serious loss of business. An example would be a bar that accidentally hosts a brawl between patrons that destroys the liquor inventory. Business Interruption insurance helps business owners cover the shortfall caused by this kind of scenario, as well as replace any profits lost while the damage is repaired.

Depending on what country you live in, the limits on these kinds of business insurance varies greatly. Coverage ascends to amounts as high as 15 million U.S. dollars or ten million British pounds. To find the best price, it is highly recommended that you shop around and contact as many company representatives as possible to get an accurate quote on your business insurance costs.

A boat can be many things including a place to unwind and socialise. A place to revel in nature or a means to feel the rush of competition in races against others. Whether it was any of those reasons, or another that made you buy your boat. One thing is for certain. It will have cost you a good amount of dollars, and that is an investment that needs protecting in the form of boat insurance.

It is comforting to know that marine insurance is NOT a new concept. In fact insuring boats has its origins in England in the 16th century when Britain was a world maritime power, and hence it was something of a necessity to ensure that her fleet of ships were adequately covered against unforseen circumstances. It is with this historical backdrop that boat insurance has its origins, but naturally the coverage that you can expect today will be somewhat different to the battleships of those days! But at least this is a mature industry which you can feel comfortable has really learned its business through experience.

There are many different considerations that will need to be factored into any boat insurance quote including the type of watercraft, age, size, power type and location. Also you need to think exactly what you want covered. A no-frills policy that covers you for only the basics will obviously cost less, but if you do require something more tailored then you will find that most companies have different policies available. Boat US for example offers three insurance programs from Basic to Total Protection, Whatever you decide to do though it is worth taking action now to protect YOUR little haven on the waterways!

If your rent your apartment then you need renters insurance to make sure you are properly covered. Because if you come home to find it wrecked, your landlord won’t pick up the bill.

What if your apartment floods from leaky pipework? Or one of your appliances short-circuits and causes damage to your furniture? Then who picks up the bill? Your natural reaction might be to think that your landlord will. But actually this isn’t neccessarily the case, and increasingly landlords are stipulating that you need renters insurance before they will even allow you to rent their property!

Renters insurance covers your personal possessions such as furniture, computer, clothing, stereo, paintings and other items that are not covered by your landlords insurance. So that the pipework for example if your pipes leak may be covered and fixed by the landlords insurance, but that is not going to do you any good when you have to pay for the new furniture that the flood ruined!
This is where renters insurance can help, because it will enable you to cover your possessions against for example fire, wind damage, lightning, theft, vandalism and water damage caused by leaky pipework. Also it can cover you against claims for damages against you by people injured in your home. So that for example if someone hurts themselves by falling over a chair in your apartment, then the renters insurance may pay for your legal costs to defend yourself if you were taken to court. A scenario that is becoming much more common in our litigious society, and hence well worth thinking about. Could you afford the costs to defend yourself?
The bottom line is that renters insurance is really about securing peace of mind for yourself through personal liability cover, and protection for your possessions. The landlord is covered for damage to his property after all. Doesn’t it make sense to be covered for damage to yours?

Homeowners insurance can cover a multitude of scenarios from fires of the physical building to the burglary of the contents and more. And is very adaptable according to the specifics of what it is you wish protected. For example different plans could cover lawsuits for people injured in your home, vandalization, or even animals rampaging through your home if you live near a wildlife park! So it is important to realise that it needn’t just be the bricks and mortar that you protect, but also your valuable possessions, and that there is a lot of flexibility in how you structure any insurance plan.

Because homeowners insurance is so adaptable it makes it very important to thoroughly read your plan, and be fully conversant as to the exact terms, and what you are and are not covered for. So for example flooding is typically NOT covered, and so if you live in an area where there is a possibility of flooding then you need to address that carefully in any quotes you get. If in any doubt then question the companies closely as to different scenarios that you can forsee. For example, “Would I be covered if this happened?…”.

Like any type of insurance the more comprehensive the cover the higher the price is likely to be. And you may need to decide on a balance between coverage and cost. If you live in the middle of the Arizona desert do you really need that add-on flooding cover for example?! But nevertheless, only you know what you need covered, and if it makes you feel better (and you are willing to pay for it) then go for it. That said, home owners insurance is not a luxury. It is a necessity for anyone who is shocked by facts such as that according to the US Fire Administration, between 1992 and 2001 an average of 1.9 million fires were reported each year in the US, with direct property losses in 2001 due to fires being $10.6 billion. And that is just fires!

In 2002 the FBI compiled burglary data that showed Burglary offenses nationwide in 2002 were estimated at 2,151,875, marking a 1.7 percent increase when compared to the 2001 figures. So the need for comprehensive homeowners insurance is becoming even more compelling. So get yourself covered, and don’t be a statistic! And exactly how affordable it is will probably surprise you.

Get a Quote

Larry Fairris East Chicago Insurance Agent

Todd Thomae Valparaiso Insurance Agent

Marv Thomae Laporte Insurance Agent

Your car may be your pride and joy, but it definitely can be the bane of your wallet! Especially if something unfortunate happens. So to stop a setback turning into a disaster you need to sort yourself out some with comprehensive auto insurance. Fortunately, car insurance has come a long way in the last few years and lots of industry competition means that there are some fabulous deals available that combine good value for money and coverage.

Getting auto insurance quotes can seem like hard work. That is why we are here to help you explore what is right for you. There are a number of different factors that you should look at with auto insurance, and here is a partial list of some of them:

• Is your car equipped with anti-theft devices or safety devices like anti-lock brakes? This could potentially affect your premiums.

• Your age does matter! A 17 year old will pay more then a 22 year old, who in turn will pay more then a 30 year old for their auto insurance.

• You could potentially save money if you are willing to raise the amount you pay if you have to claim e.g $500 rather then $50. Is the saving worth it though. Would the extra be too much?

• How old is your car? And what type of car is it? A Ferrari will cost more that a Ford! (You should be so lucky!)

• What exactly are you covered for? Make sure that you read all the small print and compare your auto insurance quotes so that you are comparing like with like.

• Is your car more likely to be stolen? According MSN these are the most stolen cars.

• Mature drivers over 50 can look forward to lower quotes.

• Other things to consider are how many cars there are in your household. Will the insurance company consider a bulk discount if you also insure your wife/husbands car, or get auto insurance for your two childrens cars at the same time?

• Also, what if you also take other types of insurance with a company like health insurance or dental insurance for example. Will they consider lowering your auto insurance premiums by way of incentive?
  

A good first step to getting a great deal is to get a few auto insurance quotes and compare them.

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!