The price you pay for life insurance depends on your age, your health, and your lifestyle. So if you are older, you have health problems, and you are a smoker, you will always pay more for life insurance than someone who is younger, healthier, and a nonsmoker. That being said, there are ways to lower your life insurance premiums, even if you fall into a higher-risk category. Following are some simple suggestions for life insurance and term life insurance.
1. Round up way to Lower Life Insurance Costs
Often, you'll actually pay less for a little more life insurance as you approach multiples of $250,000 in coverage. For example, $240,000 of life insurance coverage might cost $275 per year, while $250,000 in coverage might cost only $260 per year. Find out the rate per $1,000 of coverage, which often drops once you pass a certain level of coverage. This figure will help you determine how to get the most life insurance for the least money.
2. Find a "friendly" life insurance company
Some life insurance companies do offer competitive rates for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. These companies employ underwriters who are trained in analyzing people on a case-by-case basis, rather than lumping everyone with a particular condition into one group.5-Plus Easy Ways to Lower Life Insurance Costs
3. Consider quitting
Everyone knows that you'll save money on your insurance premiums if you quit smoking, start exercising, and lose weight. But you might be surprised to find out just how much you can save. Many insurance companies charge smokers double the nonsmoker rate for insurance. (Don't even think about lying, though. If you end up dying of a smoking-related illness, your insurance company can opt not to pay your death benefit.) Similar discounts can apply if you lose enough weight to fall into a preferred category.
4. Forget the riders
While riders may add value to your life insurance policy in certain situations, many are simply an unnecessary expense. Paying extra money to cover an event that's almost guaranteed not to happen just doesn't make sense when you're trying to cut costs. Additionally, many riders simply provide duplicate coverage once your overall insurance needs are met.
5. Find out about hidden fees Easy
Ways to Lower Life Insurance Costs
You may not realize it, but your life insurance could end up costing you more if you choose to make "convenient monthly payments" rather than paying the entire premium up front. Before you choose a payment plan, compare the single payment price to the total cost of the monthly payments. Do the math, and decide whether the convenience is worthwhile.
6. Shop around
When it comes to insurance, it pays to shop around because premiums can vary widely. And thanks to the Internet, it's now easier than ever. Save time by going to a website where you can compare multiple insurance companies at once.
You may not have heard the name ‘Jump Money’ before, but If the company’s recent growth continues, you soon will. Jump Money has been in operation since 2008 and has always marketed itself as a provider of tailored financial solutions backed up by high levels of customer service, including writing customers life insurance into trust, which amongst other benefits, protects the payout from inheritance tax.
Jump Money appears to offer a blend of ‘old school’ customer friendly financial advice with bang up to date IT solutions and accessibility. The company has recently launched two additional websites to compliment the existing www.Jumplifeinsurance.co.uk customer site, where as you might expect the man in the street can obtain a life insurance quote from the ‘whole of the market’ (Jump Money are directly authorised by The Financial Services Authority and under this authorisation can offer products from all UK insurance providers). Also available from the consumer site is information on trusts, contact details and product guides, all focussed on making financial advice easy to digest for the consumer.
If you are unsure about which type of life insurance is right for you then you can always read their guide which have a lot of useful information too.
Five Things To Teach Your Teenage Driver
Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens? Consider that before you hand over the keys to your teenage driver. Understanding the ground rules and exercising caution may prevent speeding tickets, fender-benders, and high insurance premiums, and more importantly, save lives. Here are five important driving tips that every teen should know. Things To Teach Your Teenage Driver
1. Drive defensively
Teenage drivers are inexperienced, and many take unnecessary risks on the road. That's a dangerous combination. Tell your teen that skillful drivers anticipate what others will do and keep their emotions in check. Teach your teen to:
- Use directional signals for both turns and lane changes.
- Change lanes only when necessary (don't weave in and out of traffic).
- Avoid tailgating other drivers.
- Check his or her ego at the door. It's not a personal affront if someone passes or follows too closely.
- Slow down at yellow lights.
- Proceed cautiously through green lights. Look left, right, and ahead for drivers who may be turning or running a red light.
- Give a wide berth to aggressive or erratic drivers.
- Carefully watch weather conditions and slow down in bad weather and at night.
2. Limit distractions
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 25 percent of crashes happen because drivers are distracted. Putting in a tape or CD, changing radio stations, or even talking to friends can take your teen's attention off the road. Teach your teen to pull over before placing (or receiving) a call, even if their cell phone has a hands-free option. And set a limit on the number of passengers your child can have in his or her car.
3. Buckle up for safety Five Things To Teach Your Teenage Driver
Stress the importance of wearing a seat belt and set a good example yourself. Most state laws require everyone age four years and older to be properly secured in safety belts. Teens who don't wear seat belts put their lives at risk. They should also learn to wear their seat belts properly. The lap belt should fit snugly across the pelvis, and the shoulder belt should lie across the chest with little slack. And don't start driving until are passengers have buckled up as well.
4. Don't drink and drive
While you shouldn't condone teen drinking, you can't completely ignore it either. You should openly discuss the serious consequences of drinking and driving with your teen. Teach your teen to avoid riding with friends who have been drinking, You may want to tell your teen that you'll give them a ride home anytime without consequences if the alternative is to ride with a friend who has been drinking. You should also discuss the consequences of getting behind the wheel even after one or two drinks. Even if your teen is pulled over without first causing an accident, a drunken driving conviction can mean license suspension, probation or jail time, high auto insurance premiums, and thousands of dollars worth of fines.
5. Obey the speed limit Teach Your Teenage Driver
Many drivers ignore posted speed limits, and the consequences can be deadly. According to the NHTSA, the odds of dying or being injured in a crash double for every 10 mph a driver speeds over 50 mph. In addition, a speeding ticket can cost hundreds of dollars in fines and even result in license suspension. Even a minor accident can increase auto insurance premiums dramatically for years to come. So teach your teen to obey the speed limit, even if other drivers are going faster.
You’ll always worry about your kids, but you can alleviate your concerns somewhat by teaching them to drive safely.
Five Things To Teach Your Teenage Driver
Easy Ways To Avoid Auto Accidents
It’s no accident that numerous motorists avoid collisions by applying basic safety principles on America’s roadways. First of all, insurance industry spokeswoman Heather Ryndak urges drivers to buckle up, drive defensively, obey the rules of the road, and be courteous behind the wheel.
Auto accident prevention is a deadly serious matter to Ryndak, who cited disquieting statistics proffered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA reports that driving distractions are to blame for about 4,300 crashes every day on U.S. roads.
Ryndak advises motorists to take various “steps to prevent distractions from affecting their driving performance,” and her PCI colleague, Dan Kummer offered specifics. “Topping our list is don’t drink and drive,” points out Kummer, PCI director of auto insurance. “One-third of all auto accidents are related to drunken driving.” There are a number of driver distractions to avoid when driving, says Kummer.
Motorists can minimize distractions by pulling over to a safe place to …
* Dial numbers and talk on cell phones
* Pick up items from floormats
* Change radio stations
* Change CDsEasy Ways To Avoid Accidents
* Look at a map or read newspapers
* Take care of personal needs such as eating or personal grooming
Kummer calls on motorists to avoid aggressive driving. “Don’t escalate a potentially dangerous situation by angrily gesturing at a motorist who cuts you off on the freeway. If such a situation is escalating, don’t take matters into your own hands, call the police.”
Motorists should exercise courtesy when driving to avoid problems on the roadways. Adds Kummer: “It seems as if courtesy is something of a lost art. If someone sees you use your turn signal before changing lanes, they often speed up to cut you off. Let them pass; don’t try to force your way in. Many accidents occur because of aggressive driving.”Easy Ways To Avoid Auto Accidents
If you’re in an accident, Kummer suggests that you “pull over to the side of the road, exit your vehicle and exchange insurance information behind roadway safety railings.”
Kummer urges motorists to keep a safe distance between their car and the vehicle directly ahead of them. “As a general rule of thumb, there should be a separation of at least one car length for every 10 miles an hour you are driving.” This distance should increase in bad weather or poor driving conditions.
10 Tips for Avoiding Auto Accidents Ways To Avoid Auto Accidents
1. Avoid drinking and driving.
2. Minimize distractions such as reading newspapers or talking on the cell phone when driving.
3. Properly maintain vehicles. Tune up cars according to maintenance schedules, and especially take note monthly of tire condition.
4. Do not encourage aggressive drivers. Let other's aggressive driving behavior roll off your back, or call the police. Losing your temper could worsen the situation.
5. Leave a safe distance between your car and others. For every 10 miles per hour of speed, leave at least one car length space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead (more in poor conditions).
6. Maintain a constant speed. Don’t continually slow down or speed up.
7. Adjust mirrors properly and check the side and rear-view mirrors every 15 seconds.
8. Take defensive driving classes to refresh your knowledge of road rules and be equipped to handle the unpredictable behavior of other motorists. Sign up at I Drive Safely.
9. Proceed with great caution through intersections. Intersections are the center of most accidents. When entering an intersection, look left, then right, then left again to ensure the area is clear.
10. Be sufficiently aware of road conditions and be more visible. Keep your lights on at dusk and dawn and during rain, as is the law in most states. Understand basic vehicle dynamics, such as knowing how to recover from a skid.
Easy Ways To Avoid Auto Accidents
Whether you buy a new vehicle or look for insurance on one that you have had for years, it pays to shop around. When you get auto insurance quotes from several providers you are better able to compare the rates and save yourself money by choosing the provider that can offer you the most coverage for the lowest price. However you also have to understand the factors that go into determining the rate of insurance you will have to pay.
The city in which you live has a direct impact on the car insurance quotes you will receive from the various providers you contact. This is because of the rate of accidents and auto thefts that occur in this city and its surrounding areas.
The type of vehicle you drive is another factor that you have to take into consideration. Larger and more expensive vehicles will naturally carry a higher auto insurance premium, but it is possible to pay a high premium for smaller and less expensive cars if they are among those on a list of the most stolen vehicles in your region.
The safety devices you have installed on your vehicle also affect the auto insurance quotes you receive. While most cars are now manufactured with safety belts, if you have anti-lock devices and theft warning systems on your vehicle you will receive a discount in your insurance premium. Your driving record is also an important factor because if you have had DUI charges against you in the past or any accident claims, this will result in higher premiums.
You also have to adhere to the auto insurance requirements for your state or province and have the appropriate amount of coverage. Different states have different requirements in this coverage, which means you do have to check this out before requesting auto insurance quotes. The deductible you choose will also impact the cost. The higher the level of deductible that you will be responsible for paying in the event of an accident will give you a lower insurance premium for the year.
Searching for auto insurance quotes online is one of the easiest ways in which you can compare the different rates. Since most insurance providers now have an online presence, you can visit the sites and read the information they provide about the rates they charge. You can request a free quote without an obligation to purchase the policy and compare the ones you receive through email.
If you have an older vehicle, you may decide to go with just public liability, which means that if you are at fault in an accident, you have the coverage needed for the damages incurred by the other driver. If you have a new vehicle, you will need full coverage, especially if you are making payments on this vehicle.
It doesn’t affect your credit rating to request multiple auto insurance quotes. This is not the same as applying for a loan and does not have anything to do with your credit score. Therefore, when you are in the market for auto insurance, you can sit back at home and start your search at any time of the day or night. When you receive a quote that meets your needs in coverage and price, then you can contact the insurance provider to purchase the policy.
Auto insurance in the United States here you can read this article about Auto insurance in the United States..lets read Auto insurance in the United States!!
Auto insurance
The consumer may be protected with different coverage types depending on what coverage the insured purchases. Some states require that motorists carry liability insurance coverage to ensure that its drivers can cover the cost of damages to people or property in the event of an automobile accident. Some states, such as Wisconsin, have more flexible “proof of financial responsibility” requirements.[13]
insurance in the United States
In the United States, liability insurance covers claims against the policy holder and generally, any other operator of the insured vehicles, provided they do not live at the same address as the policy holder, and are not specifically excluded on the policy. In the case of those living at the same address, they must specifically be covered on the policy. Thus it is necessary, for example, when a family member comes of driving age they must be added to the policy. Liability insurance sometimes does not protect the policy holder if they operate any vehicles other than their own. When you drive a vehicle owned by another party, you are covered under that party’s policy. Non-owners policies may be offered that would cover an insured on any vehicle they drive. This coverage is available only to those who do not own their own vehicle and is sometimes required by the government for drivers who have previously been found at fault in an accident. Non-owners policies are also known as Named Operator Policies. The policies are useful for people whose drivers license has been suspended and they have to have insurance for their licensed to be reinstated.
Auto the United States
Generally, liability coverage extends when you rent a car. Comprehensive policies ("full coverage") usually also apply to the rental vehicle, although this should be verified beforehand. Full coverage premiums are based on, among other factors, the value of the insured’s vehicle. This coverage, however, cannot apply to rental cars because the insurance company does not want to assume responsibility for a claim greater than the value of the insured’s vehicle, assuming that a rental car may be worth more than the insured’s vehicle. Most rental car companies offer insurance to cover damage to the rental vehicle. These policies may be unnecessary for many customers as credit card companies, such as Visa and MasterCard, now provide supplemental collision damage coverage to rental cars if the transaction is processed using one of their cards. These benefits are restrictive in terms of the types of vehicles covered.[14]
Liability
Liability coverage is offered for bodily injury (BI) or property damage (PD) for which the insured driver is deemed responsible. The amount of coverage provided (a fixed dollar amount) will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Whatever the minimum, the insured can usually increase the coverage (prior to a loss) for an additional charge.
Auto insurance in the United States
An example of Property Damage is where an insured driver (or 1st party) drives into a telephone pole and damages the pole, liability coverage pays for the damage to the pole. In this example, the drivers insured may also become liable for other expenses related to damaging the telephone pole, such as loss of service claims (by the telephone company), depending on the jurisdiction. An example of Bodily Injury is where an insured driver causes bodily harm to a third party and the insured driver is deemed responsible for the injuries. However, in some jurisdictions, the third party would first exhaust coverage for accident benefits through their own insurer (assuming they have one) and/or would have to meet a legal definition of severe impairment to have the right to claim (or sue) under the insured driver's (or 1st Party's) policy.
In some jurisdictions: Liability coverage is available either as a combined single limit policy, or as a split limit policy:
insurance in the United States
Combined single limit
A combined single limit combines property damage liability coverage and bodily injury coverage under one single combined limit. For example, an insured driver with a combine single liability limit strikes another vehicle and injures the driver and the passenger. Payments for the damages to the other driver's car, as well as payments for injury claims for the driver and passenger, would be paid out under this same coverage.
Split limits
Auto insurance in the US
A split limit liability coverage policy splits the coverages into property damage coverage and bodily injury coverage. In the example given above, payments for the other driver's vehicle would be paid out under property damage coverage, and payments for the injuries would be paid out under bodily injury coverage.
Bodily injury liability coverage is also usually split as well into a maximum payment per person and a maximum payment per accident.
insurance in the United States
In the state of Oklahoma, you must carry at least state minimum liability limits of $25,000/50,000/25,000. If an insured driver hits a car full of people and is found by the insurance company to be liable, the insurance company will pay $25,000 of one persons medical bills but will not exceed 50,000 for other people injured in the accident. The insurance company will pay property damage not to exceed 25,000 in repairs to the vehicle that the insured hit.
In the state of Indiana, the minimum liability limits are $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 so, there is a greater property damage exposure for only carrying the minimum limits.
Full Coverage
Full coverage is the name commonly referred to as Comprehensive and Collision. Insurers generally do not use this term because it implies broader coverage than actually exists.
Auto insurance in the United States
Collision
Collision coverage provides coverage for an insured's vehicle that is involved in an accident, subject to a deductible. This coverage is designed to provide payments to repair the damaged vehicle, or payment of the cash value of the vehicle if it is not repairable. Collision coverage is optional, however if you plan on financing a car or taking a car loan, the lender will usually insist you carry collision for the finance term or until your car is paid off. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is the term used by rental car companies for collision coverage.
Auto insurance United States
Comprehensive
Comprehensive (a.k.a. - Other Than Collision) coverage provides coverage, subject to a deductible, for an insured's vehicle that is damaged by incidents that are not considered Collisions. For example, fire, theft (or attempted theft), vandalism, weather, or impacts with animals are types of Comprehensive losses.
Uninsured/underinsured coverage
Auto insurance
Underinsured coverage, also known as UM/UIM, provides coverage if an at-fault party either does not have insurance, or does not have enough insurance. In effect, your insurance company pays your medical bills, then would subrogate from the at fault party.
insurance in the United States
In the United States, the definition of an uninsured/underinsured motorist, and corresponding coverages, are set by state laws.
Loss of use
Loss of use coverage, also known as rental coverage, provides reimbursement for rental expenses associated with having an insured vehicle repaired due to a covered loss.
Auto insurance in the United States
Loan/lease payoff
Loan/lease payoff coverage, also known as GAP coverage or GAP insurance,[15][16] was established in the early 1980s to provide protection to consumers based upon buying and market trends.
Due to the sharp decline in value immediately following purchase, there is generally a period in which the amount owed on the car loan exceeds the value of the vehicle, which is called "upside-down" or negative equity. Thus, if the vehicle is damaged beyond economical repair at this point, the owner will still owe potentially thousands of dollars on the loan. The escalating price of cars, longer-term auto loans, and the increasing popularity of leasing gave birth to GAP protection. GAP waivers provide protection for consumers when a "gap" exists between the actual value of their vehicle and the amount of money owed to the bank or leasing company. In many instances, this insurance will also pay the deductible on the primary insurance policy. These policies are often offered at the auto dealership as a comparatively low cost add on that can be put into the car loan which provides coverage for the duration of the loan.
Consumers should be aware that a few states, including New York, require lenders of leased cars to include GAP insurance within the cost of the lease itself. This means that the monthly price quoted by the dealer must include GAP insurance, whether it is delineated or not. Nevertheless, unscrupulous dealers sometimes prey on unsuspecting individuals by offering them GAP insurance at an additional price, on top of the monthly payment, without mentioning the State's requirements.
Auto insurance in the United States
In addition, some vendors and insurance companies offer what is called "Total Loss Coverage." This is similar to ordinary GAP insurance but differs in that instead of paying off the negative equity on a vehicle that is a total loss, the policy provides a certain amount, usually up to $5000, toward the purchase or lease of a new vehicle. Thus, to some extent the distinction makes no difference, i.e., in either case the owner receives a certain sum of money. However, in choosing which type of policy to purchase, the owner should consider whether, in case of a total loss, it is more advantageous for him or her to have the policy pay off the negative equity or provide a down payment on a new vehicle.
For example, assuming a total loss of a vehicle valued at $15,000, but on which the owner owes $20,000, is the "gap" of $5000. If the owner has traditional GAP coverage, the "gap" will be wiped out and he or she may purchase or lease another vehicle or choose not to. If the owner has "Total Loss Coverage," he or she will have to personally cover the "gap" of $5000, and then receive $5000 toward the purchase or lease of a new vehicle, thereby either reducing monthly payments, in the case of financing or leasing, or the total purchase price in the case of outright purchasing. So the decision on which type of policy to purchase will, in most instances, be informed by whether the owner can pay off the negative equity in case of a total loss and/or whether he or she will definitively purchase a replacement vehicle.
Auto insurance
Towing
Car towing coverage is also known as Roadside Assistance coverage. Traditionally, automobile insurance companies have agreed to only pay for the cost of a tow that is related to an accident that is covered under the automobile policy of insurance. This had left a gap in coverage for tows that are related to mechanical breakdowns, flat tires and gas outages. To fill that void, insurance companies started to offer the car towing coverage, which pays for non-accident related tows.
Auto insurance United States
Personal Property
Personal items in a vehicle that are damaged due to an accident would not be a covered under the auto policy. Any type of property that is not attached to the vehicle should be claimed under a homeowners or renters policy.
Auto insurance in the United States
Public policy vehicle insurance here
In many jurisdictions it is compulsory to have vehicle insurance before using or keeping a motor vehicle on public roads. Most jurisdictions relate insurance to both the car and the driver, however the degree of each varies greatly.
vehicle insurance
A 1994 study by Jeremy Jackson and Roger Blackman[1] showed, consistent with the risk homeostasis theory, that increased accident costs caused large and significant reductions in accident frequencies.
Public policy
Australia
In South Australia, Third Party Personal insurance from the Motor Accident Commission is included in the licence registration fee for people over 16. A similar scheme applies in Western Australia.
Public policy car insurance
In Victoria, Third Party Personal insurance from the Transport Accident Commission is similarly included, through a levy, in the vehicle registration fee.
Public policy Personal insurance
In New South Wales, Compulsory Third Party Insurance (commonly known as CTP Insurance) is a mandatory requirement and each individual car must be insured or the vehicle will not be considered legal. Therefore, a motorist cannot drive the vehicle until it is insured. A 'Green Slip,'[citation needed] another name CTP Insurance is commonly known by due to the colour of the pages the form is printed on, must be obtained through one of the seven main insurers in New South Wales.
Public policy vehicle insurance
Canada
Several Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec) provide a public auto insurance system while in the rest of the country insurance is provided privately. Basic auto insurance is mandatory throughout Canada with each province's government determining which benefits are included as minimum required auto insurance coverage and which benefits are options available for those seeking additional coverage. Accident benefits coverage is mandatory everywhere except for Newfoundland and Labrador. All provinces in Canada have some form of no-fault insurance available to accident victims. The difference from province to province is the extent to which tort or no-fault is emphasized.[2] Typically, coverage against loss of or damage to the driver's own vehicle is optional - one notable exception to this is in Saskatchewan, where SGI provides collision coverage (less than a $700 deductible, such as a collision damage waiver) as part of its basic insurance policy. In Saskatchewan, residents have the option to have their auto insurance through a tort system but less than 0.5% of the population have taken this option.[2]
Public policy auto insurance
Ireland