Private Health Insurance

3 Step Basic Guide to Comparing Private Health Insurance
By Uma A. Ilango

It can be a daunting task to choose amongst the hundreds of different private health insurance plans available and decide which one is best for you. Below is a list of tips to help consumers compare these plans:

Know What You Want, Need and Have
It is important to know how much premium you are willing to pay for it before comparing those options. The factors that impact the cost of it most are current physical/health conditions, hazardous lifestyle habits (drinking, smoking, drug abusing) and occupation. Other factors that impact cost are age), relationship status, benefits you want covered by policy, lifestyle, gender and medical history.

Know the Various Features of Plan to Compare
One must be aware of the differences in features including type of cover, services covered, limits on benefits, waiting periods and excess or co-payment options when comparing health insurance policies. Other things to consider are cost of making a claim, deductible cost and out-of-pocket maximum. Obviously, there are tradeoffs like lower premiums having higher excess and lesser benefits and higher premiums giving much better and comprehensive coverage.

Know Ways to Compare
One of the most common ways of choosing one is by using the health insurance comparison websites. Many of these online resources can help consumers make informed decisions by explaining insurance terms and jargons and also highlighting the differences in options for the self-employed and people who have been denied health insurance before due to pre-existing conditions.

Regardless of the research you do on the internet, you should always speak to an independent agent who represents several insurance companies to advice you on the best available plan for you. There are no additional fees required to engage such agents, hence the premiums you will pay for the insurance will be the same. It is important to realise that although choosing the best plan for you and your family can be a tough task, it is truly important to ensure that you and your family are covered in case of any medical emergencies.

Many people consider that finding health insurance are for those who fall ill often and those who do risk filled jobs. However, the truth lies in the way when sudden blow of health hazard occupies one of our family members leading to consecutive problems in economy and normal life. Having Health insurance is a must.

Uma Ilango is a programmer from profession. Has lots of interest in non-technical writing too. She has written articles in several topics. Her hobbies include reading, surfing, writing and playing chess. She writes regularly at Bigarticlepool.com

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Five Life Insurance Questions You Should Ask

If you're in the market for life insurance, you might have been tempted by those ads claiming that "for just a few dollars a day, you can protect your family with $1 million in life insurance!" It sounds like a great deal, doesn't it? These ads typically refer to term life insurance. As its name implies, term life insurance provides protection for a limited amount of time - or a specific "term" of years, such as 10, 20 or even 30 years.

It's fairly simple; if you die while your policy is active, your family will receive a death benefit, but the many types of term insurance and options can be confusing. Is term life insurance likely to pay off for you? Start by asking yourself the following five questions.

1. What am I trying to accomplish?

Before you buy any kind of life insurance, think about why you're buying it. Are you protecting your family in case of an early death? Have you taken on additional debt that requires you to provide coverage? Are you looking to leave an inheritance to a charity? Understand that in most cases, term insurance policies do not pay a claim - most people who buy term insurance "outlive" their policy's term. As a result, if you're shopping for insurance to protect financial obligations you may have for a very long time - possibly for the rest of your life - consider exploring another type of policy, called permanent insurance. If you're in a cash crunch and have immediate obligations to your family, business partners, or lenders, term insurance can provide you with a quick, simple, short-term solution.

2. What's available?

Most people will have access to at least one of the two types of term insurance policies: group or individual.

· Group -- Most companies offer their employees some form of term life insurance as an employee benefit. This is called group term insurance, because you're getting protection as part of a larger group. Usually it's deducted right from your paycheck and the only requirement for coverage is to complete a brief questionnaire with details of your health history. Here are some of the advantages of group term insurance:

It's easy - You can usually sign up for a policy when you take a new job and enroll in your company's benefits program. You may also have an opportunity to sign up during the annual enrollment period at your company; when you may sign up for other benefits, such as medical, dental, or an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

No medical - Most group plans don't require a physical exam. A statement of good health, along with a medical history, is usually all that's required to secure coverage.

Automatic payments - Through payroll deduction, you'll hardly feel the financial hit of paying premiums every month.

· Individual -- As its name implies, an individual policy is one in which you apply for coverage on your own. You - or typically a family member - will own the actual policy. In order to obtain an individual policy, you'll probably have to undergo a medical exam of some sort, provide a detailed medical history, and give the insurance company permission to look into your medical records and perform a background check on any driving offenses and criminal activities. This might sound a little invasive, but there are some great benefits to owning an individual life insurance policy.

It's portable - If you take a new job at a different company, you don't have to worry about losing your life insurance protection.

Level premiums - Generally, individual policies can be structured to have level premiums for the duration of the policy; typically this is a 10-, 20- or 30-year period.

Flexibility - If you ever want to upgrade or convert your term policy to a permanent policy, you might have more options available with an individual policy than you would with a group plan.

3. What if I don't die?

Ironically, some people who buy term life insurance get upset when they find out that if they don't die, they don't get anything back.

If this is a concern for you, it's important to get an understanding of what will happen to your policy as you near the end of the term.

· Premiums go up - Many term policies offer level premiums for several years (10, 20 and even 30 years, for example). As you approach the end of that term, you may have the option of keeping your policy. If you do, you can expect a hefty jump in your premium.

· Might need a new policy - If you are still healthy at this time in your life and you want to keep the coverage, it may be best to apply for a new policy.

· Drop in coverage - Perhaps you only wanted your policy to cover you as long as you had a mortgage, or until your children's college education was paid for. If that's the case and you have no other obligations to protect, you might want to let the coverage expire.

· Upgrade the policy - Most term policies come with a "conversion privilege". This allows you to essentially trade in your old term policy for a new permanent policy.

4. How can I upgrade this policy?

As mentioned previously, most term policies allow you to convert from a term policy to a permanent one. This is a great feature that provides future flexibility but because some policies have limitations, you should familiarize yourself with the conversion rules of any policy you're considering.

· When can I convert? The conversion privilege might have a time limitation on it, to age 70, for example. Some policies allow conversion during the entire term of the policy.

· What can I convert to? The most generous term policies allow you to convert to any type of permanent policy available, such as whole life, universal life, or variable universal life. Some term policies may force you to convert specifically to just one type, and some companies may not offer all types, which can also limit your options down the road.

5. Where do I buy a policy?

Chances are you'll probably hit the major internet search engines first when looking for information about buying a policy. A number of online distributors can provide you with a term insurance policy. These distributors typically focus on finding the lowest cost policy, given the personal information you provide.

For a more personalized experience, you might consider finding a professional. An insurance agent will help you understand all the different variations of insurance - both term and permanent - and should be able to answer any questions you might have. You can find one by visiting any of the major company websites or combing through your local phone books, but probably the best way to find a representative is to ask around for a referral from a friend or business associate.

Finally, for group coverage, you can check with your employer. If you're self-employed, you may have access to a group plan through a professional association, or you may even be able to put a group plan in place for yourself and your employees.

Million-Dollar Dreams

After going through these five questions, you will be able to decide for yourself if that million-dollar coverage ad is really what you need to provide for you and your family. If it's not, don't be afraid to pass it by - there are hundreds of policies waiting to provide you with the peace of mind you're looking for.

by Barry Higgins

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Question and Answer

I have liability insurance. If I lend my car out to a friend, will my insurance pay in case of an accident?

Yes. However, does he have regular access to your car? If he borrows it more than once a month, or more than ten times a year, you should add him as an operator. Also, if he cracks it up, it's great that the other guy is covered, but . . .can you afford to buy a new car? Because you won't have any coverage for YOUR car.

New insurance and ongoing treatments of old injury? Which insurance applies?

It's up to the old insurance.

Can an employer cancel your insurance without telling you that it has been cancelled?

Well, the problem is, this is a PARTNERSHIP. If this was a corporation, you can certainly sue the corporation, and you'd probably win. You'll probably get a judgment against them. If it's legally a PARTNERSHIP, and your husband is a partner, well, he'd be suing himself. Also, if this was an individual health policy that she was paying, and NOT a group policy, she has no liability - only if it was a GROUP policy. So there's not enough information here . . .

What car insurance companies DON'T use a credit score when deciding rates?

Whether you're against it or not, it's a factor. and sorry, i don't know of ANY companies out there that don't use it. i know about 99% use credit scores, so good luck finding the one or two that havent jumped on that wagon... yet. I've bookmarked this site to go back to... http://www.safelinked.info/go.php?link=insurance.

Health Insurance For Part-Time Employees?

I understand your frustration with finding cost-effective insurance that will cover pre-existing conditions. You have several options. You can have your husband ask his employer to add your family on to the group plan. He will be paying for the plan completely out of his paycheck, with no help from the employer. However, if he is on GROUP health, there are generally less hang-ups about pre-existing conditions with the insurance company, and the rates can be cheaper. The other option is - don't disclose everything!! Please, please see my site, http://www.health-insurance-low-cost.net, to learn how to navigate these treacherous waters, especially the page on "Medical History". Basically, you need to make decisions on how you will USE your insurance from now on, and decisions about disclosure, BEFORE you ever talk to an insurance company. When an insurance company asks you about pre-existing conditions, they are not so much wanting to know about your past, but trying to figure out what expenses they will be paying for in the future. You need to make decisions on how you will be using the insurance, then reflect that back to the insurance company. I know your frustration, I've lived it, and that's the whole reason I created my site. You CAN find a good policy if you do your homework (and yes, Blue Cross is too expensive, I've used them and dropped them).

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How Technology Can Help Trim Auto Insurance

Plans Cut Rates for Drivers Who Use Devices That Track Their Habits at the Wheel

For years, drivers paid less for auto insurance if they reported low mileage. Now, insurers are using high-tech devices to track customers' habits, and offering deep discounts to those who not only drive less, but also cautiously.

In the U.S., Progressive Corp. and GMAC Insurance, a unit of GMAC Financial Services, are the first and the largest companies to roll out this type of plan. At least two smaller companies, including Unigard Insurance Co. of Bellevue, Wash., a unit of QBE Insurance Group of Australia, also are poised to start similar ones soon. Companies in Canada and Italy also have programs, and Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. is testing the same technology in Connecticut.

Drivers who participate in these plans have devices installed in their cars that, depending on the technology used, can track the number of miles driven, the speed at which cars are driven and even how often and how hard the brakes are used. By allowing their habits behind the wheel to be monitored, drivers get lower insurance rates -- or pay higher premiums if they're lead-footed road hogs.

Usage-based insurance pricing would mean an estimated two-thirds of households would pay less in premiums than they do now, according to a report by the Hamilton Project at the Brookings Institution, a think tank. Researchers Jason Bordoff and Pascal Noel calculated average savings at about $270 per car, per year. Some analysts and insurers believe that after a slow start, usage-based insurance could take off now that higher gas prices are forcing consumers to drive less anyway.

Proponents of these plans say they also have the potential to help ease traffic tie-ups and reduce carbon emissions by rewarding customers for driving less. Fewer miles on the road also means fewer accidents -- and fewer claims for insurers. With pay-as-you-drive insurance, drivers in the U.S. would reduce their mileage by about 8%, with $51.5 billion in social benefits mostly from reduced congestion and accidents, according to the Hamilton Project.

Later this month, Progressive says it will re-launch and expand its program, formerly known as "TripSense." Currently available only in Michigan, Minnesota and Oregon, TripSense subscribers get a special device that plugs into their car's diagnostic port -- the place mechanics plug into when troubleshooting. The Progressive device, however, keeps track of when, how far, and at what speed the car is driven. Every six months, drivers must remove the device and upload stored information to a computer and send it to the company.

When Progressive's new usage-based program, known as "MyRate," is launched, the technology will require less driver effort. This program uses a telematic device, which gathers driver data and wirelessly transmits it over a cellphone network. Progressive says it will also track how often and how hard drivers brake and use the braking information when calculating rates. This system doesn't include a global positioning system, so it won't track a driver's whereabouts. Drivers get back a periodic report that tells them how many miles they've logged and other feedback about their driving habits. Based on the data, they'll receive discounts ranging as high as 60%, depending on the state.

Bad-Driving Surcharge

But the device could raise rates for some drivers. In some states where it's permitted by law, drivers would be assessed a 9% surcharge for logging excessive miles or driving at high speeds with hard braking, said Richard Hutchinson, a general manager for Progressive.

Progressive, which has 7.1 million auto policies in force nationally, says 34% of its customers in Michigan, Minnesota and Oregon who signed up via telephone or Internet (instead of their agent) have been choosing the usage-based programs since 2004. The new plan is expected to be available in six more states by the end of this year and will also be sold by independent agents, the company said.

Brandon Biniecki, a 23-year-old information-technology support technician in Monroe, Mich., says he signed up for Progressive's usage-based program in 2006 for his Chevy Cobalt, a compact car. He drives less than 18,000 miles a year and currently receives a 5% or 10% discount from the company every six months, he says. Mr. Biniecki says he doesn't mind being monitored in return for saving money, but admits he might not have signed up if a global positioning system, or GPS, was involved.

"That would be an invasion of privacy, with someone being able to know where I am at any given point in time," he says.

Other insurers include GPS in their monitoring devices. GMAC Insurance's Low-Mileage Discount Program with OnStar, which expanded to a total of 34 states last year, grants discounts to users of vehicles equipped with GM's GPS and communication systems. The company says that enrollments have increased 200% since last year, and that customer retention rates are higher for those using the device.

In order to receive a discount, the driver must subscribe to OnStar, which is generally free for the first 12 months to buyers of new GM cars, and costs $199 to $299 annually after that. New customers who agree to have odometer readings sent directly to GMAC Insurance will earn a 26% discount if they drive less than 15,000 miles annually. (Existing drivers earn discounts based on their actual mileage.) Even heavy drivers can still earn a 5% to 8% "safe driver" discount just for subscribing to the service. Low-mileage discounts increase in tiers as fewer miles are logged. For instance, someone who drives less than 2,500 miles a year can qualify for a 54% discount.

'I Didn't Believe It'

Don West, 74, a real-estate broker in Gresham, Ore., says he reluctantly switched his coverage to GMAC Insurance, leaving his longtime agent, a personal friend. Because he and his wife drove less than a combined 15,000 miles a year, their rate plummeted. Says Mr. West: "I was paying $2,000 a year in premiums for the Cadillac and the Hummer, and it dropped the premium the first year I was on GMAC to $886 dollars. I didn't believe it at first."

About 20,000 drivers currently participate in the GMAC low-mileage program with OnStar, says John O'Donnell, vice president of business development at GMAC Insurance, out of five million OnStar clients.

At this point, OnStar only relays odometer readings to GMAC Insurance, Mr. O'Donnell said. OnStar doesn't continuously track drivers' location and only pinpoints a car's whereabouts at certain times -- when the device is activated by a crash or the police receive a stolen-vehicle report, for example. "There is an opportunity to get other information, and as we do we will be able to correlate risk to actual driving behavior itself rather than more predictive factors," Mr. O'Donnell says.

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High Deductible Health Insurance Plans For Individuals and Families

Do you pay more attention to your car than your body? You change your oil every 3000 to 4000 miles. You have your tires rotated every other oil change. Your air filter and brake pads are changed at the appropriate intervals.

Now, what about your body? You follow the recommended AMA guidelines for routine check ups and other healthcare services. You pay special attention to make sure you eat a balanced diet and always take the time to get enough exercise. The reality is many Americans pay more attention to the maintenance of their car than they do their body.

From an insurance perspective, your automobile insurance company has a certain expectation that you will take reasonable care of your car. Things such as the routine maintenance of brakes and making sure your turning signals work properly are expected by your insurance company. Basic common sense says that proper automobile maintenance reduces traffic accidents and saves both you and your insurance company money.

Health insurance consumers can benefit by taking a similar approach to taking care of their body. For the average American, regular exercise, routine check ups and following your doctor's advice will reduce your healthcare costs in the long run. It is really very simple. By doing the things necessary to stay healthy, you will need to seek medical care less frequently.

Even with a commitment to stay healthy, you will still need health insurance coverage to take care of the unexpected and sometimes unavoidable catastrophic situations. However, instead of paying the insurance company for a $250 deductible, many individuals would benefit by purchasing a high deductible health insurance plan. Depending on the specific situation, it is not uncommon for individuals and families to save up to 25% on premiums with a high deductible plan. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can then be set up to coordinate with the high deductible plan. Approaching health care and health insurance wisely will benefit both your body and pocketbook.

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Will Online Automobile Insurance Quotes Really Save Me Money?

If you're looking to save money on your auto insurance then online automobile insurance quotes are definitely something you want to look into. But there are more benefits to shopping online besides saving money. Receiving you car insurance quote online is fast, extremely easy, and exceptionally convenient. Generally speaking the quotes you qualify for are generated within minutes and usually there are multiple quotes allowing you the opportunity to compare numerous insurance providers, allowing you to choose the best overall insurance offer.

In my opinion the best feature is not having to deal with an insurance salesman and having the luxury of comparison shopping in the privacy of your own home while wearing your favorite pajamas. There are no time limitations meaning you can start your application, save it, and finish later at anytime, day or night. The number one reason people over pay on their insurance is because of failure to shop around. Online automobile insurance quotes prevent that from happening.

Truthfully there are very little, if any drawbacks to shopping online for all of your insurance needs. It's very easy to do, convenient and your insurance quotes are provided free of charge. Best of all you're never under any obligation to accept any quote that is provided.

The process to receive multiple free online automobile insurance quotes begins when a consumer fills out a form. The information you provide is always kept confidential with encrypted software and it will not affect your current credit score. The only concern that may be raised is if you already have some other form of insurance (such as home or life insurance) from a provider then it's possible that you could receive a better discount from that provider due to having multiple insurance policies with them.

As I stated before the process to obtain online automobile insurance quotes is very simple and you will either be given instant free car insurance quote, or you'll be contacted via email with several offers. After finding a policy that matches your needs and budget you have the option to purchase the insurance online or via mail. Just remember you are never under any obligation to accept any online auto insurance policy that is offered to you.

One word of caution, you must make sure you enter correct information when filling out an online application for car insurance. Any false information or errors on your part could adversely affect the online automobile insurance quotes.

Hopefully this information convinces you that shopping online for all of your insurance needs to include auto insurance is safe, easy and very convenient. Best of all the potential to save hundreds of dollars on your insurance policy is a real possibility.

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What Is Meant By Automobile Insurance Standard Coverage?

Automobile insurance standard coverage is the basic amount of insurance coverage that is required by law in order for an individual to legally operate a motorized vehicle. You can simply it even further with the blanket statement as being the mandatory amount of auto insurance coverage a driver must possess.

The most important part of anyone's car insurance policy is the liability coverage. This coverage protects the consumer against the cost of damages and injury that is a direct result of that same consumer if they are the cause of a vehicular accident. For instance if you're driving down the road and accidentally run into another person's car this insurance coverage will pay for the damages that result due to the accident.

The liability coverage is further broken down into two subsections. The first is bodily injury liability. This covers and personal injury inflicted by yourself upon others during a car accident. The second subsection is property damage liability. As you may have guessed this is your insurance protection against any damage you cause to another individuals property, usually their car.

Although coverage amounts can vary it is generally suggested that a good baseline of automobile insurance standard coverage should be 100/300/100. This can be read as $100,000 worth of bodily injury caused to another person, $300,000 towards bodily injuries for everyone involved and $100,000 for property damage. With rising medical costs and outrageous car prices this would be the absolute minimum insurance protection I would personally carry in my automobile insurance standard coverage. However, each state is different and you will need to check to see what their car insurance laws constitute as a minimum coverage amount.

If you are in a financial crunch and need a way to save money on your insurance policy try to avoid retaining only the minimum amount of coverage required by your state. Instead try raising your deductible amount (the amount you pay first in the event of an accident before your insurance company kicks in with its payment). You will find that by raising the amount $500 or $750 will significantly lower the monthly costs of your automobile insurance standard coverage.

Two other policies that exist include the medical payments insurance which provides for the immediate treatment of injuries sustained during an auto accident. Anyone riding in your vehicle to include yourself is covered, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. The second policy is commonly known as PIP or personal injury protection, is similar to medical payments coverage, but usually provides broader coverage. Many PIP policies provide compensation for lost wages, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering. Again you will need to check with your state insurance laws for further clarification if you are required to have this additional coverage.

Finally as a safety measure against law breaking individuals who illegally drive without insurance there is uninsured motorist insurance when the other driver has no liability coverage and underinsured motorist coverage which pays for the cost of your injuries that exceed the other driver's coverage maximum. As before with the PIP coverage you will need to make sure whether or not your particular state requires these forms of coverage as part of their automobile insurance standard coverage.

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20 Ways to Get the Most From Auto Premiums

There's nothing sexy about auto insurance. But a few tips, and the right outlook, can help you shop around, understand the value before you buy and maximize what you're getting for those premiums. Here's how:

1. Pinpoint your financial weak spots
While most people could cover a $500 deductible, a $500,000 lawsuit would be a different matter. So why do so many consumers pay extra for low deductibles and carry close to the minimum on liability coverage?

"Shift the money around to the things that could wipe you out," says Jack Hungelmann, author of "Insurance for Dummies" and an agent/consultant with Corporate 4 Insurance Agency of Edina, Minn.

Raise your deductible (bank that amount for emergencies) and increase your liability coverage, he says. Your premiums should remain roughly the same.

Hungelmann's rule of thumb: In a society where critical care bills can easily cost six digits, "nobody should carry less than $500,000 per person" in liability coverage, he says. (To compare insurance policies and quotes, visit Insureme.com, a Bankrate company.)

The good news: Taking your total liability coverage from the standard $300,000 to $500,000 will only cost about $60 more a year for two cars (or for one car if you're a younger driver).

"But younger people who have a fairly low net worth don't need hundreds of thousands in liability coverage," says Bill Feldhaus, associate professor of risk management and insurance at Georgia State University.

Best bet: Talk with an insurance professional you trust and come to a decision on deductibles and liability coverage that works for you.

"You always want to look at the trade-offs -- what do I save in premiums vs. how much risk do I take on?" Feldhaus says.

Another place to shave some money from the premium, says Hungelmann: personal injury protection, also known as medical payments coverage. If you already have health insurance for yourself and your family, that would cover your medical bills after an accident, he says.

Some states mandate some medical payments coverage, but if you have health coverage, "don't buy any more than you have to," says Hungelmann.

2. Don't just consider your total liability
Many insurance policies specify that the company will pay up to $300,000 in total liability coverage if you are found liable for an accident, but only $100,000 for each person injured. That means if you are at fault in an accident that leaves one person with a $200,000 lawsuit, you will be on the hook for half, even though you thought you had $300,000 worth of coverage.

Instead, says Hungelmann, have your agent write the policy so that the total amount paid per accident and per person are the same. That way $300,000 in coverage means $300,000 in coverage, no matter how you divide it.

3. Consider buying an umbrella policy
If you have considerable assets or are likely to have them in the future, consider an umbrella policy that would cover your home and auto. Umbrella policies usually start at $200 to $300 a year for up to $1 million worth of coverage.

4. Seek out good advice
If you're shopping for an agent, ask about experience. In many places, agents need only a week of training before they can sell insurance, says Hungelmann. His recommendation is to seek out a pro who has gone back to school to earn industry credentials. Designations to look for include: CPCU, or Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters, which requires about 1,000 hours of extra classes; CIC, or Certified Insurance Counselor, which requires about 100 extra hours; and the AAI, or Accredited Adviser in Insurance, which also requires about 100 hours of study.

5. Keep a good credit rating
Many insurance companies use your credit rating to determine whether to insure you and how much to charge.

6. Sign up for rental insurance
If you don't have an extra car in the garage, make sure your policy covers the cost of a similar-sized rental should your car need repairs after an accident. While a week may seem like the blink of an eye to a body shop, a one-week rental could add hundreds to your out-of-pocket costs after an accident.

7. Shop around
"You can pay more than double for the same insurance, so it does pay to shop around," says Bob Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America.

Most states offer price guidelines for various types of coverage in different areas and they put the information online. Or call your state insurance department and ask if they have pricing information available.

If you call around for quotes, include a few brand-name companies as well as a few independent agents who will shop more than one company for you. Be aware that agents represent companies that pay commissions, and sometimes the best deals come from companies that don't pay commissions, says Hunter.

And don't assume that you'll pay more for a well-known entity. "Insurance companies with the best satisfaction often have the best price," he says.

8. Be specific when shopping rates
Don't just ask for a quote. Give the agent exact numbers on the coverage you're comparing.

And beware of the variables, says Dick Luedke, spokesman for the State Farm Insurance Companies. Are you sure that the deductibles, coverage amounts and liability limits are the same? What about provisions for a rental car or roadside assistance?

"There are a lot of little extras you can get on an insurance policy, so make sure you're making that comparison apples to apples as well," he says.

See how Bankrate ranks your insurance and compare insurance rates.

9. Take advantage of every discount
If you store your car in a garage or drive less than a certain number of miles each year, or have gone a certain number of years without an accident or ticket, your company will probably give you a discount. The same is true if your car has safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes or anti-theft devices like a tracking system or alarm.

You also could get a break if you have more than one car on your policy, if you buy your policy through the same company that insures your home, or if you pay your premium annually.

In addition, an extra class or course could shave dollars off your premiums. Some companies will give senior drivers a discount for taking a defensive-driving course. Likewise, teens often can get better premiums by maintaining good grades or taking drivers' education courses.

10. If your teen is away, notify your insurance
According to industry professionals, teen drivers add anywhere from 50 percent to 500 percent to a premium. However, many insurance companies will discount the rate when a child is away at school. Check yours.

Another option is even cheaper, but also more risky. If children are going to school more than 100 miles from home, you can take them off the policy and save a serious chunk of money, according to Loretta Worters, vice president with the Insurance Information Institute, an industry organization. Two caveats: The kids can't drive at school unless they get their own insurance, and if they come home for a break, don't loan them the car.

11. Do the math before dropping collision
This is one of those cost-saving concepts where getting a good deal means running the numbers and making sure it meets your gut-check test. If you are driving a 12-year-old car worth $2,000 and the car is totaled, the most you'll get from the insurance company is roughly $2,000. Would you rather bank the money you're paying in collision insurance toward a new car? The critical questions to ask: How much of your premium is collision insurance? And could you lay your hands on $2,000 if you needed a new car tomorrow?

12. Shop service, as well as price
The real question with insurance is how does the company treat you when you file a claim?

"Some companies view the policy holder as a member rather than sort of an enemy, and will help you get a claim settled at a reasonable amount (of time), and some don't," says Hunter.

Your state insurance department and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners keep records of the number of complaints and will share the information. And the NAIC Web site has complaint ratios, so you can actually compare the service records of various companies, says Hunter.

You can also ask friends and family what kind of experience they've had with claims with various companies, says Luedke.

After a major claim, a good agent will also act as a coach, says Hungelmann, advising you on the way to present the best case to the adjuster and helping you in a dispute if the adjuster makes a bad call. With an Internet-based company or one you can reach only through an 800-number, you may sacrifice personal service just when you need it most.

Another smart strategy is to make sure the company has the financial resources to honor its promises. You can also check with companies like A.M. Best Company Inc. and Standard & Poor's Insurance Ratings Service to research a company's financial solvency. Cheap coverage does you no good if the company takes your premium and folds.

13. Understand the claims process before you buy
Have your agent walk you through the claims process upfront. Will your insurance pay for brand-name or generic parts to fix your car after an accident? Will you be limited in your choice of mechanics or body shops? If the language in your contract is unclear, have your agent put anything you don't understand in writing.

14. Ask about 'diminished value'
This is a hot button in the insurance industry, and the subject of many lawsuits. The big debate: Is a car worth less after an accident? If so, should the insurance company have to fix the car and pay you the difference? Ask your agent and call your state insurance department to find out about current regulations and rulings.

15. Call your agent soon after an accident
"Most insurance companies have time limits, usually 48 hours," says Worters. If you want to be certain the company will cover your accident, make that call a priority.

16. When you make a claim, start a file
Include a copy of your accident or incident report. Write down your policy number and your claim number. The latter can be the "key to the vault" when it comes to getting information from your insurer, says Hungelmann.

Also vital is the name of your claims adjuster and a cell phone number. Typically, an adjuster is "next to impossible to reach because he's out in the field," says Hungelmann. And get the supervisor's name and number, too. "Every adjuster has a supervisor," says Hungelmann. "They just don't tell the customer that."

Supervisors are "rarely out in the field," he says. So he or she "will be able to help you with your claim."

17. Do your part in furthering the claims process
Every company has its own system, and the amount of damage to your car can impact the process, too.

Some companies could ask you to get a couple of estimates, but most have preferred shops that they work with and trust, says Hungelmann. Usually, you'll have a choice of several in your area, he says.

This can be beneficial if the shop uncovers hidden damage that wasn't included in the estimate. The shop will usually phone the company directly, get an OK, fix it, "and you won't have to get involved," says Hungelmann. Many times, if you go with the recommended shop, you will also get a guarantee on the repairs good for the life of the car, he says.

But you have the option of taking the car wherever you want, he says. "And it's up to the insurance company to work out the price with the shop."

18. Include everything in your loss estimates
For instance, if your car is totaled, you may be entitled to recover the sales tax and registration fees for your replacement car. Contact your agent and your state insurance department to find out what you should include in your estimates.

19. Press for what you need
Adjusters are human. "And like referees, they might make a bad call once in a while," says Hungelmann.

It's more effective to keep your temper in check and work your way up the food chain. If a claim is denied or if you think the amount the company offered is not enough, get the adjuster to put the reasons in writing. Compare the explanation the company gives with what's written in your policy.

Your smartest move is to have your agent intercede on your behalf.

"Normally, if the agent goes to bat for the customer, they can get it resolved," says Hungelmann.

You can also talk to the manager of the claims department and ask to have the matter reviewed, or even file a complaint with the state insurance department.

If the claim question involves property value, you might consider using your policy's appraisal clause, says Hungelmann. You and the insurance company each hire one person to work out an agreement. (For instance, a consumer disputing the value of a totaled car could hire someone familiar with car values, like a local dealer.)

If the two appointed representatives can't reach an agreement, together they select one neutral third party (called an "umpire") to make the decision.

"I've used the appeals clause a handful of times myself in this business," says Hungelmann. "It's pretty helpful."

You can also take a shortcut with the appeals clause. You and the company agree on an umpire, who will make the call alone. "It saves you a bunch of money and a lot of time," says Hungelmann.

20. If you switch, notify your old company
Tell your old company in writing that you've obtained new insurance and are canceling your old auto policy. (Check the fine print beforehand to be sure that the new policy picks up immediately without any gap.)

If your old company goofs and reports to the state that you are driving without insurance, some states begin steps to suspend your driver's license. If you get a warning letter from the state, address the situation immediately. Otherwise, your next routine traffic stop could be anything but routine.

Dana Dratch is a freelance writer in Roswell, Ga.

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10 Most and Least Expensive Cars to Insure

Chances are it's the price of gas, not auto insurance, that's driving you to the poor house.

But if you want to cut your auto insurance premiums to the bone, stay away from small, fast cars.

"It's a common denominator among vehicles that have the highest losses -- a lot of smaller, sportier vehicles, says Russ Rader, spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

"Contrary to the idea that smaller cars can help you avoid crashes, the data shows that small cars get into more accidents," he says. "If you feel like you have a vehicle that can zip in and out of traffic, chances are you'll do that."

Each year, the institute, and its sister organization, the Highway Loss Data Institute, analyze the actual insurance losses associated with the most popular vehicle makes and models. Since insurance companies use similar kinds of data to set premiums, the rankings give consumers a window into how their vehicle choices affect their auto premiums.

And, once again, the data suggests that small cars and speed are an expensive combination for insurers -- especially with a young driver behind the wheel.

"Sporty cars tend to be driven in ways that lead to more crashes," says Rader. "They also tend to be driven by younger, riskier drivers." And smaller cars also tend to be more affordable, which makes them more attractive to those same younger drivers, he says.

"The Subaru Impreza WRX, the Mitsubishi Lancer, the Acura RSX, the Nissan Sentra SE-R -- these vehicles have the highest rates of collision," says Rader. "And age is a part of it. It's how these vehicles are driven."

The car that comes in fifth on the "most expensive to insure" list, the Scion tC, has one of the youngest demographics. Thirty-five percent of drivers are under 25, says Kim Hazelbaker, senior vice president for the Highway Loss Data Institute.

But the car at the top of the list, the Cadillac Escalade, bucks the trend. So why is a luxury SUV most commonly driven by a more affluent and comparative older clientele on the list? Two words: theft magnet.

"The Escalade has a lot of buzz in the entertainment industry," says Rader. "You can't watch an episode of 'Cribs' without seeing an Escalade. So it's desirable."

So desirable that owners face a comprehensive premium of six times the national average, says Hazelbaker.

"It's one of the iconic vehicles that continues to be popular with pop culture stars, so it continues to be popular for people to steal," he says. Plus, "everything in an Escalade bolts into a Suburban," he says.

Least Expensive to Insure

The vehicles that are likely to have the lowest insurance costs? Today's version of the good old fashioned family car, says Rader. These skew toward large sedans, or midsize SUVs or minivans.

"They tend to be driven by people who are not as likely to speed or drive recklessly," he says.

And they also aren't as likely to be used to commute to and from work, says Hazelbaker. That means the cars aren't on the road during rush hour, which also lowers their risk.

"We have an awful lot of soccer mom cars on that list," he says. "The (Buick) Rendezvous, the (Subaru) Outback, the (Honda) Pilot, the Chrysler Town & Country -- all of these are sort of 'mommy mobiles.'"

And none of the vehicles on the cheapest to insure list "are very large," either, says Hazelbaker. "As the size of an SUV or pickup goes up, you do have higher losses."

The all-around least expensive to insure? The Ford Five Hundred, the study found. A medium-sized, affordable sedan now known as the Ford Taurus, "it's probably driven by a favorable demographic in a favorable way," he says. "It's a suburban family second car."

Cars of this type "are probably living in a garage," which makes them less of a theft target. Plus they tend to be less desirable to thieves, he says.

"If you're going to pick out something to steal, what would you choose?" says Hazelbaker.

When Bigger Isn't Better for Premiums

But larger vehicles don't automatically mean lower premiums. Some super-size vehicles could actually increase the cost of your insurance.

When two cars collide, the average repair cost for each is about $3,000, says Hazelbaker. But some larger vehicles are routinely linked to higher-dollar damage to other cars. And that could cost you in terms of more expensive insurance.

The top five linked to highest dollar damages to other cars, according to the institute, are as follows.

1. Hummer H2 SUT 4dr 4WD
2. Hummer H3 4dr 4WD
3. Hummer H2 4dr 4WD
4. Dodge Ram 2500 mega cab 4WD
5. Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr

"They're big, heavy vehicles that tend to inflict a lot of damage on what they hit," says Rader. See the top 10 list.

Keeping Premiums Down

Want to keep your premiums low? Talk to your agent before you buy your next vehicle, says Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute, an industry organization. Once you've narrowed your choices to two or three models, ask if any of the premiums will be significantly different. Note if any of the models have high repair costs or theft rates, she says.

It can be tricky. Even different models of the same car can have different costs when it comes to insurance. "A different motor or different luxury items" can change your premium, says Worters.

One example is a convertible. That ragtop could cost you more than the hardtop version of the same car, says Worters. A convertible is "easier to get into, so it might be more costly," she says.

Another tip off to high-priced premiums: higher-priced cars.

"The more expensive the car is, all things being equal, the more it's going to cost to insure," says Dick Luedke, spokesman for the State Farm Insurance Cos.

And each car has more than one score to consider. The same car that shows lower-than-average losses in terms of inflicting damage might be worse in terms of theft. But insurance companies, and the premiums, take the whole package into account.

So what categories make the most difference, when it comes to your premium?

"The biggest portion of auto insurance is for liability," says Luedke. Next is collision and comprehensive, fairly equally. And after that comes medical payments, he says.

Smart money: Look at your car's scores in all categories, but in the end, shop safety. Pick up great safety information, like crash tests results, rollover ratings, recalls, service bulletins and consumer complaints with the following sites.

And the car is only part of the equation. You, your lifestyle and your driving record will also have a sizable impact on the premium. To calculate your premium, insurance companies analyze everything from your age, residence, and driving patterns to your prior driving record and credit history.

When it comes to the premium, says Hazelbaker, "the person in the vehicle makes the most difference."

10 Most-Expensive Cars to Insure

The 10 vehicles that account for the highest dollar amount of losses for insurance companies (starting with the most expensive) are:

1. Cadillac Escalade EXT 4WD
2. Subaru Impreza WRX 4WD
3. Hyundai Tiburon
4. Mitsubishi Lancer
5. Scion tC
6. Acura RSX
7. Nissan Sentra SE-R
8. Suzuki Forenza
9. Nissan Sentra/Mitsubishi Eclipse
10. Chevrolet Cobalt two-door

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, based on 2004-2006 models

10 Least-Expensive Cars to Insure

The 10 vehicles that account for the lowest dollar amount of losses for insurance companies (starting with the least expensive) are:

1. Ford Five Hundred 4WD (now the Ford Taurus)
2. Buick Rendezvous 4WD
3. Buick Lucerne/Buick Rainier 4WD/Honda Odyssey
4. Ford Freestyle 4WD/Subaru Outback 4WD
5. Buick Rendezvous/Honda Pilot
6. Chrysler Town & Country LWB
7. Honda Pilot 4WD
8. Buick LaCrosse/Chevrolet Uplander/Ford Escape/Volvo V70
9. Dodge Grand Caravan/Ford Freestyle 4WD
10. Ford Explorer 4WD/GMC Sierra 1500 4WD/Toyota Highlander/Toyota Sienna

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, based on 2004-2006 models

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Gain An Advantage Over Your Competition By Controlling The Cost Of Your Health Insurance

As many of us expect, the New Year will bring both tremendous challenges and opportunities for all of us both personally and professionally. Employers continue to face the major challenge of controlling the cost of their health insurance and other employee benefit programs. Organizations that can best get a handle on the cost of their employee benefit programs have an excellent opportunity to gain an advantage over their competition.

What are some practical ways to control the cost of your health insurance? Here are a few suggestions:
1) Investigate all of your traditional and consumer directed health plan options. Many companies are easing into consumer directed plans by offering them as part of a "dual choice" program.

2) Out of network benefits. If your PPO network has adequate access to network providers, plan designs that strongly encourage the use of preferred providers save premium and claim dollars while the insured still gets the needed care at a discounted rate.

3) Prescription drug coverage. Rx plans that encourage the use of generics and require mandatory mail order for maintenance medications are an efficient use of your benefit dollars.

4) Encourage wellness. What is the old saying? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of gain.

5) Consumerism. Access to the tools necessary to be a "good" healthcare consumer will allow individuals to get the best care at the best price.

If you do not have time to personally handle the suggestions made above, consider enlisting the services of an independent insurance broker that specializes in designing and evaluating health plan options. A good insurance broker should be able to save you time, money, and ultimately serve as a trusted resource for plan recommendations now and in the future.

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