Home Insurance

Home insurance is an expensive purchase for many Americans. This guide provides
information on how to make decisions that can lower the cost of your home insurance
and increase the value you receive.

Although home insurance is not required by law in most states, if your home is mortgaged, your lender may require the purchase of insurance on your home. To get the best value for your money, you must take responsibility for your home insurance purchase and make your own decisions.

The coverages offered to homeowners are typically contained in a package of liability and property coverages. This consumer guide principally addresses the
package of coverages found in a "homeowners" policy.

It does not address the more limited offerings of fire and extended coverages. It does not address the state special programs established to meet special needs, including availability. Contact your state’s insurance department for more detail about special conditions or programs in your state.

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Filing claims

Things to do before you file a claim:
Review your policy or employee booklet carefully to make sure the plan covers the service in question. If you have any reason to think a health care service may not be covered, or that your company disagrees with your understanding of the policy, talk it over first with your provider and with the insurance company. Resolving questions first can prevent problems later.

You should never assume your plan will cover a treatment or service. Follow your plan’s rules, including pre-certification requirements and use of network providers. Your provider may require you to make a copayment or pay your coinsurance at the time of visit.

Fill out any claim forms the provider or insurance company gives you. Be sure to include your policy number and other identifying information.

How to submit a claim yourself:

• Find out if your provider submits the claim for you or if you need to do it.
• If you need to do it, review the claim information to make sure it is complete and correct.
• File the claim as soon as you get the bill from the provider.
• Send it to the correct address.
• Keep a copy for your reference.
• Wait for your company’s statement before you pay your provider directly.
• Allow reasonable time for the company to process your claim. The company must inform you if it needs any additional information to complete the claim. Sometimes, it will request additional information directly from the providers; in other cases, it will return the claim form to you to get more information.

If the insurance company denies your claim:

• They should state the reason on your explanation of benefits.
• If you disagree with the reason for denial, check your policy or employee booklet for the company’s appeal procedures.
• The company should answer procedural questions about appeals over the phone. Call the company’s assistance line (the phone number should be listed on your statement).
• Submit your appeal in writing. The company may require information from your doctor.

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What to do if you can’t find auto coverage

Some drivers have a hard time obtaining insurance. This can result from a number of factors, including a poor driving record, type of vehicle, claims history, experience, etc.

There are insurance companies that write non-If your driving record prevents you from obtaining standard policies in this state.

They include:

• Allstate
• Dairyland
• Farmers
• Financial Indemnity
• Guaranty National
• Infinity
• Leader
• Nationwide
• Progressive
• Safeco
• Viking Insurance Company of Wisconsin

If your driving record prevents you from obtaining a policy in the non-standard market, your agent or broker will contact the Automobile Insurance Plan on your behalf.

More than 55 years ago, the Washington State Legislature created this plan to provide auto insurance coverage to high-risk drivers who are unable to find coverage. To qualify for this special coverage, you must:

• Be a Washington state resident or a member of the U.S. military
• Hold a valid Washington state driver’s license
• Not have any debt from previous auto
• insurance coverage

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Filing claims insurance

Things to do before you file a claim:
Review your policy or employee booklet carefully to make sure the plan covers the service in question. If you have any reason to think a health care service may not be covered, or that your company disagrees with your understanding of the policy, talk it over first with your provider and with the insurance company. Resolving questions first can prevent problems later.

You should never assume your plan will cover a treatment or service. Follow your plan’s rules, including pre-certification requirements and use of network providers. Your provider may require you to make a copayment or pay your coinsurance at the time of visit.

Fill out any claim forms the provider or insurance company gives you. Be sure to include your policy number and other identifying information.

How to submit a claim yourself:

• Find out if your provider submits the claim for you or if you need to do it.
• If you need to do it, review the claim information to make sure it is complete and correct.
• File the claim as soon as you get the bill from the provider.
• Send it to the correct address.
• Keep a copy for your reference.
• Wait for your company’s statement before you pay your provider directly.
• Allow reasonable time for the company to process your claim. The company must inform you if it needs any additional information to complete the claim. Sometimes, it will request additional information directly from the providers; in other cases, it will return the claim form to you to get more information.

If the insurance company denies your claim:

• They should state the reason on your explanation of benefits.
• If you disagree with the reason for denial, check your policy or employee booklet for the company’s appeal procedures.
• The company should answer procedural questions about appeals over the phone. Call the company’s assistance line (the phone number should be listed on your statement).
• Submit your appeal in writing. The company may require information from your doctor.

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Cover Your Best Friend With Pet Health Insurance Online

In the UK we are a nation of pet lovers and just as we take out insurance to cover our own health we should do everything we can to protect the health of our best friends. While we don't like to think of the worst happening our pets can get sick or have an accident and the vets bills can soon mount up which can cost a small fortune unless you have taken out pet health insurance.

When taking out pet insurance it can be purchased to cover a wide majority of factors and, depending on the amount of cover you require, this will be the deciding factor as to how much the premiums will be per month. Types of pet health insurance that you can take out include covering against the possibility of your pet having an accident, to cover for any treatment it costs for their recovery and if your pet should suffer from an illness or you can choose to take out it out for both.

Just as with insurance taken out by humans the same applies to your pets. There are different levels of cover, for example you can choose to cover against vets' fees up to a certain amount for a year or you can choose to take out unlimited cover with no time limit for up to a certain amount. Things that will usually be covered under the majority of policies for normally include medicine or surgeries your pet might have to have and x-rays. It is important that you check the individual policy at the time because they can vary slightly.

The cheapest way to take out pet health insurance is online; by going with a specialist insurer they can shop around on your behalf and get you the cheapest premiums with the best deals. Always read the small print and check the exclusions to make sure you have the cover you need. The terms and conditions of pet insurance policies do vary and some can contain extras such as paying for advertising if your pet gets lost or stolen or for liability if your pet should cause an accident or cause someone an injury.

Sean Horton is a director of Petquote, who offer pet health insurance, excellent benefits and superb value for money for cat and dog insurance from carefully selected pet insurance providers such as Petplan and Pinnacle Pet Healthcare.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Horton

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Student Auto Insurance Free Quote

As a young driver, you will get the best student auto insurance free quote if you apply some of the tips I will discuss in this article ...

1. Raise your deductible to the best student car insurance quote. A higher deductible to lower your car insurance rates. However, make sure you do not choose a deductible that is more than you can handle.

2. Get trained in defensive driving. In addition to making you drive better, it will help you get a reduced insurance premiums.

3. Make sure you get a car that has a safety device. Let your insurance will be notified if you have like in your car. Car safety is considered to be very wise and will make you reduce student car insurance free quote.

4. Use cheap car. There is an expensive vehicle to insure. If in doubt, ask. But as a rule of thumb: Big cars, expensive cars, sports cars, vehicles with high theft rates will make your insurance rates skyrocket as the under-25 students. Sports cars are usually expensive to insure.

5. Take your studies seriously interesting car insurance free quote affordable student. There is the idea that students who take their studies seriously are usually more stable.

6. You can swallow some of your pride and be on the mother and father of vehicle insurance policy. However, for the work you have to live with your parents and your car registered in their name.

7. The more you are behind the wheel, the higher the likelihood that you will have a reason to make a claim in a distant time. The higher this probability, the more difficult it will be for you to get the best student car insurance quote.

8. Some things reveal more about you than how you treat your bill. Most insurance companies will assume that you are more reliable and, consequently, a lower risk because you pay your bills promptly.

9. You can get cheaper deals on insurance now by visiting no less than three quotes sites. You can still get student auto insurance free quote a very affordable if you go to only one of these sites. However, you will increase your chances of getting better deals by using at least three. This is because by doing this you have a broader basis for doing more thorough comparisons.

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How to buy life insurance

Mail order
A few insurance companies sell through the mail. You mail a completed application Directly to the company. Usually the company does not have an agent in your hometown.

The Internet
A growing number of insurance companies are expanding Reviews their marketing and are starting to sell policies on the web. All state laws and regulations Regarding apply to the selling of insurance and insurance-based Internet web sites. Do your research and the make sure the company is authorized to do business.

Agents and brokers
Most people buy life insurance through an agent or broker. Agents and brokers, operate differently. Agents Represent one or more companies. The agent's job, the which is commission based, is to sell you the policies of the company he or she represents.

Brokers Represent and work for you.
Typically, you describe to the broker the type of coverage you want and the amount you want to spend. The broker surveys Brings back the market and options for you to review. Also Brokers receive a commission on the sales they arrange.

Choose your agent or broker carefully.
It is wise to select someone who is an established business person in your community. You may wish to ask, "What makes you feel you are qualified to talk to me about my financial security?" Reliable salespeople should not mind verifying Reviews their credentials or qualifications Reviews their listings

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Shopping for health insurance

This section provides information about how to get the most out of your health insurance coverage. It can also help you decide if the coverage you have is right for you.

Tips: checking out a plan
Make sure the coverage you buy fits your needs, and that you receive the best price for the coverage. You should compare benefits and rates. Look at two or three different plans to compare them against your needs as well as to one another.

• Benefits: Make sure you understand the plan’s benefits. Look at what the contract will not cover, not just what it will cover.
• Limitations and exclusions: Find out if there are special requirements to obtain benefits. For example: Do you need prior authorization for some services? How do you obtain that authorization? Are there waiting periods before coverage goes into effect?
• Claims: Before you buy, make sure you understand how to file a claim, where to send it, and how you will receive payment.
• Costs: Premiums for health insurance vary. When reviewing several companies, look carefully at the benefits they offer.

Tips: checking out an agent
Many people buy health insurance from agents or companies. Agents may represent only one or a number of companies. Companies can sell their policies by mail, the Internet or over the phone.

Agents earn a commission on your business and should do more than just sell you a policy. They should also answer your questions.
If you need additional information, contact your agent or the company. You are the customer, and they should respond to you.
Never deal with an unlicensed agent. Ask to see his or her license. You can check on an agent’s.
Never buy an insurance policy you do not understand. Ask to see the benefits explained in writing in simple terms. Keep that piece of paper with the policy after you buy it.
If you need a translator to talk to your agent or company, arrange for an adult translator to accompany you.
Never give any insurance representative money or a check without getting a receipt.
Never give out your bank account or Social Security information over the phone.

Tips: checking out an insurance company
Before you buy health coverage, find out about the company selling the plan. Here are key factors to consider:

Customer service. Find out how the company services its members. Does the company have a toll-free customer service number? Do they answer it without a long wait?

Financial stability. Financial stability helps ensure that a company can pay its claims. In addition, Washington state law establishes requirements that each company must follow. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) continually monitors insurers to make sure they are financially stable. Independent organizations also rate the financial stability of insurance companies. Check your public library’s reference desk for published ratings.

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Buying insurance on the internet

The accessibility and ease of the Internet has revolutionized the shopping world. Everything from pet food to furniture is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the comfort of your home. This includes insurance. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself when buying insurance on the Internet.

Research, research, research
Research is by far your best protection. Fortunately, the Internet is also a great research agent. Determine which insurance coverage best fits your needs, then shop around for companies, agents, cost and coverage.

Double-check the company and agent
In order to sell insurance in our state, the company and the agent must be licensed. To confirm the credibility of a company or agent, check with our agency for the following facts:

• Is the company licensed in Washington?
• Is the company licensed to sell the line of insurance you are interested in purchasing?
• Is the agent licensed in Washington and a legitimate representative of the company?
• Does the company have a good record of handling policy complaints?

Purchasing on the internet
Once you’ve checked your facts and found the company, agent and policy that suit your needs, you’re ready to purchase. At this point, security is the name of the game. Take some extra precautions to protect your personal information:

• Update your browser. The newer browsers are equipped with more current security measures. (One way to check if you are on a secure site is by checking the address. A secure site address may begin with https:// instead of the usual http://. Or, the site may have a small key or closed lock icon located somewhere in the bottom left or right corner of the screen. )
• If you cannot confirm the security of the browser, contact the company or agent and submit your paperwork via fax or mail.
• Take extra precautions when paying with a credit card. Some credit cards may be equipped with antitheft protections. Review your credit card agreement for antitheft provisions.

The proof is in the paperwork
As you complete your research and purchase, it’s important to keep detailed records. Get all rate quotes and key information in writing for your file. Also, once you decide to purchase online, keep a copy of all paperwork you complete and sign, as well as any correspondence, special offers and payment receipts.
You should receive a copy — not a photocopy — of your new policy within 30 to 60 days of purchase. If you do not receive a copy, contact the insurance company immediately.

Insurance "Red Flags"
Here are some quick "red flags" to warn you against possible insurance fraud:

• Don’t submit to high-pressure tactics. If you are being overwhelmed with offers from a particular group or agent that make you uncomfortable, trust your instincts and steer clear.
• Do your research. Scam artists may try to convince you to change coverage quickly without giving you the opportunity to do adequate research.
• Seek advice. If a particular policy requires a large deposit in an account, ask a third party — such as a reputable local insurance agent, accountant or financial advisor — for advice.
• If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!

See also Appraisement Clause...

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How insurance companies determine auto rates

If an insurance company wants to change its rates, it must submit its request to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. The filing must include enough statistical, financial, and other information to show the change is necessary. If the company can show the requested change is justified and we determine the proposed rates are not excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory, then according to state law, we must approve them.

How rates are determined
Insurance companies can rate all licensed drivers in the household — including your spouse and other members in your household, whether or not they are related by blood. This includes roommates. Insurance companies calculate auto insurance rates by starting with a dollar amount (base rate). Your base rate is adjusted according to certain factors such as your age, sex, marital status, driving pattern, claims history, geographical area, credit history and the make, model and year of your vehicle.

Your age: Statistics show that drivers under age 25 are involved in more accidents than adults between age 25 and 65. Companies generally consider them a higher risk. Families with younger drivers in the household may pay more for their insurance. Statistics also show that senior citizens present a higher-than-average risk to insurance companies.

Your sex: Insurance companies can discriminate on the basis of sex if that discrimination is based on statistical evidence, proving one sex is a higher risk. For example, young men — especially those under age 25 — are involved in more accidents and typically pay higher insurance rates.

Marital status: Statistically, married couples have fewer accidents than singles and generally pay lower rates.

Your vehicle: Generally, the more expensive your vehicle, the more you will pay for insurance. Also, because sports cars and high-performance cars are involved in more accidents, cost more to repair, and are stolen more often, they cost more to insure.

Your location: Statistical data for the area where you live may change your rates. For example, a higher or lower than average crime rate may increase or decrease the base rate for comprehensive coverage, while a higher or lower than average number of accidents in your area may increase or decrease the base rate for liability and collision coverages.

Driving patterns: The number of miles you drive per year can increase your rate.

Your driving record and your claims history: Insurance companies may charge you more if you’ve been involved in an accident or have been convicted of one or more traffic violations. Also, the more claims you file, the more likely your rates will increase.

Credit History: Washington state has one of the toughest laws restricting how insurance companies use credit history. But your insurer still may use information in your credit history to determine your insurance score. Your insurance score may raise or lower your premium.

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