Did you know that car insurance is cheaper for safer cars? The National Highway Institute is a good way to find out how safe the new car that you were considering is! This is a double bonus. You get a safer car, and you get cheaper car insurance!
Before you buy a new car, and get car insurance shock on top of sticker shock, why not running a quick online car insurance quote?
Use the form on 24/7 Quote US to run a quick quote. It takes about 5 minutes, and can pay off big time! Click here for 24/7 Quote Us and the InsureMe Quote Box!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Are You Paying More for Insurance Because of Your Credit Score?
This is a subject that's coming up more and more - people with lower credit scores are actually paying more for all sorts of insurance, and also are likely to suffer insurance declines than people with higher credit scores.
Make sure you check out your credit scores with free reports that are offered online. YOu may have errors on your report. Here is one source of a free credit report with offers for more extensive credit history. Hey - it's your own information, and you should have access to it!
You can also find more insurance artles at 24/7QuoteUS
Are You Paying More for Insurance Because of Your Credit Score?
Posted: 09-11-2006 | Views: 36
Author: Stephen Snyder
You've probably heard that insurance companies use credit scores to determine whether to even accept you, and if they do accept you, to determine what you'll pay for your premium.
Well, that's almost right.
Insurance companies don't use FICO credit scores. Insurance companies often use credit-based, "insurance scores," to determine if you are eligible for auto or homeowner's insurance, and how much you'll pay.
The scores that insurance companies use are a little different than the scores the lenders use. However, they are similar in that they look at a lot of the same information as the credit scores used to qualify you for a mortgage or credit card.
Just like a credit score, information from your credit reports is summarized into what's called an insurance credit score. Insurance companies use the insurance credit score to draw their own conclusions about you. Regardless of these small differences, your credit score is generally going to be a good indicator of your insurance score.
Each state has its own unique take on insurance scoring. Some states allow insurance companies to use insurance scores to make a decision to grant insurance coverage or not. Other states prohibit it. Still, most states allow some version of a credit score to determine your insurance premium.
To a lot of people, allowing insurance companies to use credit information seems unfair.
For example, a bankrupt person with a stellar driving record could see their insurance rates go up drastically just because the bankruptcy appears on their credit reports and lowers their credit scores and insurance credit scores.
So what's the difference between the scores lenders use and the scores insurance companies use?
Insurance companies do not depend on scores to predict whether or not you'll make your insurance payments on time (like a lender does). They are more interested in whether or not you will be a profitable insurance customer.
And what makes you a profitable insurance customer? You're profitable by paying your premiums and not filing any claims.
You can also be a profitable insurance customer by paying your premiums and not filing any large dollar claims. And that's exactly what they use insurance credit scores to predict.
Lender credit scores are designed to predict whether or not a late payment incident will occur. Insurance credit scores are designed to predict whether or not you will be a profitable customer.
Clear as mud, right?
The bottom line is that the insurance companies say they have been able to prove, time and time again, that there is a strong statistical relationship between your credit management and your likelihood of filing insurance claims.
In addition, insurance companies claim to be able to show that consumers who have lower insurance credit scores cost them more in claims than consumers who have higher insurance credit scores.
What they haven't been able to prove is why there is a connection between credit scores and increased incidences of claims. This is where much of the controversy stems from.
Regardless, insurance companies have a right to use credit information to evaluate your application for insurance. It's called a permissible purpose and it's clearly spelled out in Section 604 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It's the law.
Stephen Snyder is the founder of the After Bankruptcy Foundation a non-profit organization that provides free bankruptcy information and recovery steps. Stephen also writes a free weekly newsletter on bankruptcy recovery.
Make sure you check out your credit scores with free reports that are offered online. YOu may have errors on your report. Here is one source of a free credit report with offers for more extensive credit history. Hey - it's your own information, and you should have access to it!
You can also find more insurance artles at 24/7QuoteUS
Are You Paying More for Insurance Because of Your Credit Score?
Posted: 09-11-2006 | Views: 36
Author: Stephen Snyder
You've probably heard that insurance companies use credit scores to determine whether to even accept you, and if they do accept you, to determine what you'll pay for your premium.
Well, that's almost right.
Insurance companies don't use FICO credit scores. Insurance companies often use credit-based, "insurance scores," to determine if you are eligible for auto or homeowner's insurance, and how much you'll pay.
The scores that insurance companies use are a little different than the scores the lenders use. However, they are similar in that they look at a lot of the same information as the credit scores used to qualify you for a mortgage or credit card.
Just like a credit score, information from your credit reports is summarized into what's called an insurance credit score. Insurance companies use the insurance credit score to draw their own conclusions about you. Regardless of these small differences, your credit score is generally going to be a good indicator of your insurance score.
Each state has its own unique take on insurance scoring. Some states allow insurance companies to use insurance scores to make a decision to grant insurance coverage or not. Other states prohibit it. Still, most states allow some version of a credit score to determine your insurance premium.
To a lot of people, allowing insurance companies to use credit information seems unfair.
For example, a bankrupt person with a stellar driving record could see their insurance rates go up drastically just because the bankruptcy appears on their credit reports and lowers their credit scores and insurance credit scores.
So what's the difference between the scores lenders use and the scores insurance companies use?
Insurance companies do not depend on scores to predict whether or not you'll make your insurance payments on time (like a lender does). They are more interested in whether or not you will be a profitable insurance customer.
And what makes you a profitable insurance customer? You're profitable by paying your premiums and not filing any claims.
You can also be a profitable insurance customer by paying your premiums and not filing any large dollar claims. And that's exactly what they use insurance credit scores to predict.
Lender credit scores are designed to predict whether or not a late payment incident will occur. Insurance credit scores are designed to predict whether or not you will be a profitable customer.
Clear as mud, right?
The bottom line is that the insurance companies say they have been able to prove, time and time again, that there is a strong statistical relationship between your credit management and your likelihood of filing insurance claims.
In addition, insurance companies claim to be able to show that consumers who have lower insurance credit scores cost them more in claims than consumers who have higher insurance credit scores.
What they haven't been able to prove is why there is a connection between credit scores and increased incidences of claims. This is where much of the controversy stems from.
Regardless, insurance companies have a right to use credit information to evaluate your application for insurance. It's called a permissible purpose and it's clearly spelled out in Section 604 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It's the law.
Stephen Snyder is the founder of the After Bankruptcy Foundation a non-profit organization that provides free bankruptcy information and recovery steps. Stephen also writes a free weekly newsletter on bankruptcy recovery.
Friday, November 17, 2006
International Travel Insurance for US and Non US citizens
If you are a US citizen planning an overseas trip, your medical insurance may not cover you in foreign lands. If you are a non US resident, planning a trip to America you may be in for a surprise when you land here unless you have adequate medical coverage.
Overseas Travel Medical Plan - Click Here
Why do you need the Overseas Travel Medical Plan?
Today, more and more people are traveling outside of their home country, either for business, recreation or personal reasons. Frequently, domestic health insurance does not provide coverage for overseas medical emergencies, and international travelers are unable to obtain this type of protection after they are outside of their home country.
Furthermore, most traditional health insurance does not provide coverage for expenses for an emergency medical evacuation, medical reunion, return of mortal remains, trip interruption or loss of checked luggage.
Overseas Travel Medical Plan - Click Here
Comprehensive protection for:
* U.S. citizens traveling abroad
* Non U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S.
* Hospital & Medical Expenses
* 24-Hour Medical Emergency Services
* Trip Cancellation
* Lost Luggage
* Emergency Dental
* Emergency Evacuation
* Accidental Death & Dismemberment
* Return of Minor Children
Overseas Travel Medical Plan - Click Here
Overseas Travel Medical Plan - Click Here
Why do you need the Overseas Travel Medical Plan?
Today, more and more people are traveling outside of their home country, either for business, recreation or personal reasons. Frequently, domestic health insurance does not provide coverage for overseas medical emergencies, and international travelers are unable to obtain this type of protection after they are outside of their home country.
Furthermore, most traditional health insurance does not provide coverage for expenses for an emergency medical evacuation, medical reunion, return of mortal remains, trip interruption or loss of checked luggage.
Overseas Travel Medical Plan - Click Here
Comprehensive protection for:
* U.S. citizens traveling abroad
* Non U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S.
* Hospital & Medical Expenses
* 24-Hour Medical Emergency Services
* Trip Cancellation
* Lost Luggage
* Emergency Dental
* Emergency Evacuation
* Accidental Death & Dismemberment
* Return of Minor Children
Overseas Travel Medical Plan - Click Here
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Retirement Planning - Will you need to work during 'retirement'?
Millions of Americans, who were going to retire, are finding that they will still need to work to supplement their income. Was that your vision of retirement? According to a Trimvent Survey, 25% said they had saved nothing for retirment years.
This article made the front page of Yahoo, so here's the link.
It's never to early to start saving for retirment. With inflation, it's hard to say how much money would be enough as life spans are increasing. If you are nearing retirement, already there, or still have decades to go, I urge you to take a free look at the retirement calcuators and resources at Retire RX.
Annuities are one way to save for retirement. They offer tax deferred growth, and some types can actually use pre-tax money for the investment. This gives you more principle to begin earning on. Fixed and Indexed annuities also offer a guarantee on your earnings, so while you will be earning market rates, you will not have to suffer a down year if the market turns. You may find that an annuity is an attractive alternative to a bank CD or mutual fund or stock.
This article made the front page of Yahoo, so here's the link.
It's never to early to start saving for retirment. With inflation, it's hard to say how much money would be enough as life spans are increasing. If you are nearing retirement, already there, or still have decades to go, I urge you to take a free look at the retirement calcuators and resources at Retire RX.
Annuities are one way to save for retirement. They offer tax deferred growth, and some types can actually use pre-tax money for the investment. This gives you more principle to begin earning on. Fixed and Indexed annuities also offer a guarantee on your earnings, so while you will be earning market rates, you will not have to suffer a down year if the market turns. You may find that an annuity is an attractive alternative to a bank CD or mutual fund or stock.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Understanding Annuities
CLICK HERE TO FINISH THIS ARTICLE AT BHC MARKETING
Annuities come in various forms – fixed, variable, income, index-linked and more – and each has its place and time in an investment portfolio. Generally, annuities are purchased as long-term investments to cover future needs like retirement or lifetime income; however, in recent times, annuities have emerged as a safe-haven for “just-in-case” money that heretofore was held in banks or government bonds. Annuities are issued by insurance companies and generally presented by financial professionals and planners to conservative, long-term savers seeking reasonable returns, safety and some access to their money in case of unexpected needs. All annuities offer triple compounding through tax deferral of earnings.
CLICK HERE TO FINISH THIS ARTICLE AT BHC MARKETING
Annuities come in various forms – fixed, variable, income, index-linked and more – and each has its place and time in an investment portfolio. Generally, annuities are purchased as long-term investments to cover future needs like retirement or lifetime income; however, in recent times, annuities have emerged as a safe-haven for “just-in-case” money that heretofore was held in banks or government bonds. Annuities are issued by insurance companies and generally presented by financial professionals and planners to conservative, long-term savers seeking reasonable returns, safety and some access to their money in case of unexpected needs. All annuities offer triple compounding through tax deferral of earnings.
CLICK HERE TO FINISH THIS ARTICLE AT BHC MARKETING
Friday, November 10, 2006
Health Insurance - State and Federal Help
A lot of government websites are very good sources of health insurance and health program information. For instance, if you don't have health insurance and have been declined because of a health condition, you may want to see how your state helps you. If you are pregnant, and don't have insurance, your local, state, or federal government should have resources to help you. If you are a senior, you may want to determine which prescription Medicare PArt D plan is good for you.
Start your search with government websites! This list has Texas and U.S. National Government Health Resources. I am sure you can find similar information for the other 49 states!
Texas Insurance Online State and Federal Health and Insurance Resources.
http://www.texasinsurance-online.com/texas-health.html
Start your search with government websites! This list has Texas and U.S. National Government Health Resources. I am sure you can find similar information for the other 49 states!
Texas Insurance Online State and Federal Health and Insurance Resources.
http://www.texasinsurance-online.com/texas-health.html
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
What is Mortgage Insurance?
Mortgage Insurance or Mortgage Life Insurance
After you buy a new home, you will probably get tons of cards in the mail with an offer for a product called mortgage insurance. The offers will probably tell you that you don't need a medical exam to apply for this insurance, and it will protect your home in case of death or disability. Most often this product also comes with an offer to return your premium in case you survive the term of the product.
We are actually talking about a term life insurance product. Now mortgage life insurance is a real insurance product which insurance companies develop to market to new home owners. They often do relax some underwriting requirements to issue it, figuring that if your mortgage company just offered you a mortgage you are a better risk. ie. credit and job wise you have already just been underwritten to some extent.
However, if you are healthy, you may be better off just applying for a regular term insurance policy. Generally, since underwriting is relaxed on mortgage term, they will rate everybody as a group.
TEXANS - GO HERE TO GET QUICK TERM LIFE QUOTES
U.S. GO HERE FOR A SHORT FORM THAT WILL GET YOU LIFE INSURANCE QUOTES
After you buy a new home, you will probably get tons of cards in the mail with an offer for a product called mortgage insurance. The offers will probably tell you that you don't need a medical exam to apply for this insurance, and it will protect your home in case of death or disability. Most often this product also comes with an offer to return your premium in case you survive the term of the product.
We are actually talking about a term life insurance product. Now mortgage life insurance is a real insurance product which insurance companies develop to market to new home owners. They often do relax some underwriting requirements to issue it, figuring that if your mortgage company just offered you a mortgage you are a better risk. ie. credit and job wise you have already just been underwritten to some extent.
However, if you are healthy, you may be better off just applying for a regular term insurance policy. Generally, since underwriting is relaxed on mortgage term, they will rate everybody as a group.
TEXANS - GO HERE TO GET QUICK TERM LIFE QUOTES
U.S. GO HERE FOR A SHORT FORM THAT WILL GET YOU LIFE INSURANCE QUOTES
Monday, November 06, 2006
Why annuities
So what's the big annuity buzz?
Consider your savings goals. Most of us want high gains and low risks, right? Well, CD from a bank are great for safety. The problem is, your gains are generally low. You also get a tax bill on your gains every year, further reducing your profit.
Investing in stocks and mutual funds is risky. Stocks go up, and stocks go down. Generally, over time, an index like the S&P goes up - but down years abound, and for those of us who invested around the year 2000, it was bleak.
Consider an annuity product. Money grows tax deferred. These products can be tax qualified or not tax qualified. The products can be tied to the stock market with the added bonus of guaranteeing a minimum return, even in down years. During good times, you get high returns, and during bad times you don't lose money and even make a little!
I plan on adding an annuity page here:
Texas Insurance Online
If you are in Texas, you can find contact info here.
Consider your savings goals. Most of us want high gains and low risks, right? Well, CD from a bank are great for safety. The problem is, your gains are generally low. You also get a tax bill on your gains every year, further reducing your profit.
Investing in stocks and mutual funds is risky. Stocks go up, and stocks go down. Generally, over time, an index like the S&P goes up - but down years abound, and for those of us who invested around the year 2000, it was bleak.
Consider an annuity product. Money grows tax deferred. These products can be tax qualified or not tax qualified. The products can be tied to the stock market with the added bonus of guaranteeing a minimum return, even in down years. During good times, you get high returns, and during bad times you don't lose money and even make a little!
I plan on adding an annuity page here:
Texas Insurance Online
If you are in Texas, you can find contact info here.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Dental Plans in Your Area
DENTAL PLANS AND DENTAL NETWORKS
Anyone in the U.S. may benefit from a Dental Benefit Plan! Dental Discount Networks consist of quality dentists who offer many services for free, or at very discounted rates. In addition, these plans cover treatments from orthodontic braces to root canals! Indiduals who have health insurance may benefit from a dental discount plan, as well as people without dental insurance!
If you don't have insurance, the ability to have a discounted, or even free, checkup will certainly get you to the dentist! If you do have insurance, the network may still save you money when you consider copays, deductibles, and yearly limits.
Some dental insurance does not cover things like orthodontics and cosmetics. Many dental plans offer very discounted services. Plus - NO WAITING PERIOD!
CLICK HERE TO LOOK UP THE LARGEST DENTAL PLANS IN THE US
Anyone in the U.S. may benefit from a Dental Benefit Plan! Dental Discount Networks consist of quality dentists who offer many services for free, or at very discounted rates. In addition, these plans cover treatments from orthodontic braces to root canals! Indiduals who have health insurance may benefit from a dental discount plan, as well as people without dental insurance!
If you don't have insurance, the ability to have a discounted, or even free, checkup will certainly get you to the dentist! If you do have insurance, the network may still save you money when you consider copays, deductibles, and yearly limits.
Some dental insurance does not cover things like orthodontics and cosmetics. Many dental plans offer very discounted services. Plus - NO WAITING PERIOD!
CLICK HERE TO LOOK UP THE LARGEST DENTAL PLANS IN THE US
Thursday, November 02, 2006
COBRA - WHAT IS IT FOR HEALTH INSURANCE?
Health insurance clients always ask about COBRA.
COBRA is actually a federal law that allows an employee to keep his or her health insurance for up to 18 months after leaving a job. Almost all employees of group health insurance who are terminated from their job, are protected under COBRA. You can keep your group health insurance if you are quit, and you can usually keep it if you are fired or laid off. In certain cases, for gross misconduct, you may not have COBRA protection - but most people do.
People ask why COBRA health insurance costs so much. COBRA costs whatever the health insurance cost, plus a 2% administrative fee. This means the total is about equal to your employee contribution plus whatever the company contributed to the premium dollar. Many people are not aware how much the company helped pay for their health insurance, and that's why people think that COBRA is expensive.
Not all employers are subject to COBRA, and you will need to find out from your employer.
If you have the option to use COBRA after leaving a job, you have a lot to consider. The premiums may seem higher than an individual plan, and that's because individual plans will underwrite each case - and can offer better rates to health individuals. However, some people may have pre-existing conditions that will get excluded under individual health plans. Some people may also have health conditions that make them uninsurable. This will vary by state, and some states have risk pools. However, health insurance risk pools also have rules, and you may not be eligable if you can elect to keep your COBRA coverage.
For Health Insurance Quotes, or to find a local Health Insurance Agent, visit us at 247QuoteUS.COM
If you are in Texas, visit http://www.houstoninsurancetexas.com
You MAY reprint this article, as long as you keep our links intact, and credit us at
Research Insurance - http://researchinsurance.blogspot.com
COBRA is actually a federal law that allows an employee to keep his or her health insurance for up to 18 months after leaving a job. Almost all employees of group health insurance who are terminated from their job, are protected under COBRA. You can keep your group health insurance if you are quit, and you can usually keep it if you are fired or laid off. In certain cases, for gross misconduct, you may not have COBRA protection - but most people do.
People ask why COBRA health insurance costs so much. COBRA costs whatever the health insurance cost, plus a 2% administrative fee. This means the total is about equal to your employee contribution plus whatever the company contributed to the premium dollar. Many people are not aware how much the company helped pay for their health insurance, and that's why people think that COBRA is expensive.
Not all employers are subject to COBRA, and you will need to find out from your employer.
If you have the option to use COBRA after leaving a job, you have a lot to consider. The premiums may seem higher than an individual plan, and that's because individual plans will underwrite each case - and can offer better rates to health individuals. However, some people may have pre-existing conditions that will get excluded under individual health plans. Some people may also have health conditions that make them uninsurable. This will vary by state, and some states have risk pools. However, health insurance risk pools also have rules, and you may not be eligable if you can elect to keep your COBRA coverage.
For Health Insurance Quotes, or to find a local Health Insurance Agent, visit us at 247QuoteUS.COM
If you are in Texas, visit http://www.houstoninsurancetexas.com
You MAY reprint this article, as long as you keep our links intact, and credit us at
Research Insurance - http://researchinsurance.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
