Friday, December 30, 2011

Is the Cost of Classic Lorry Insurance Going Up?

The easy answer is that it's not just classic lorry insurance that is going up, but absolutely everything that concerns the transport industry. The ever increasing fuel costs and rising inflation are doing nothing to help, and there are many hauliers who are really struggling to stay on the road.
There are some things that can be done to redress this situation and to make sure that classic lorry insurance is kept to a minimum. The first, and most obvious, thing to do is to make sure that you are not over-insured because that really is money down the drain. If you are not sure, there are many reputable brokers who are professional, highly experienced and who specialize in classic lorry insurance.
If you have more than three lorries ask about a fleet policy rather than insuring them individually. Very often, this will save money straight away.
Another way of reducing insurance costs is to make sure that your drivers undergo regular training so that they are aware of both economical ways of driving, and how to drive more safely. Good insurance companies will be able to give you details of these kinds of courses and you will find that once they have been completed your insurance premiums should come down in response.
Another strategy for helping to reduce classic lorry insurance costs is to fit a telemetric system to your lorries. These monitor driving styles and have proved themselves to be instrumental when it comes to safer driving, more economical driving, and also as an effective way of settling disputed insurance claims. There are many insurance companies that encourage the use of these systems and will reduce premiums if they are used.
If you want to make sure that you don't lose your no claims bonus and see your insurance premiums escalate if you have to make a claim, then consider paying a little extra to protect it. It does mean that you have to pay a little more but in the long term, it could save you a fortune.
It's not just classic lorry insurance that it is possible to save money on; there are other areas, too. Many lorry drivers stick decorations to the fronts of their trucks but this can actually increase fuel consumption. Consider having them removed and replacing them with more aerodynamic accessories, which should make significant savings for you in the future. With petrol prices rising, it's never been more important to shop around.
For more information on keeping costs down while on the road, just visit http://www.visioniq.com/.
http://EzineArticles.com/6488091

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Shop and Office Insurance

Finding the right business insurance can be a tiresome and time-consuming activity for shop and office owners. All too often through sheer frustration they will go for the cheapest option policy and will have failed to investigate the finer details of the insurance cover they have purchased. This is very understandable but with the vandalism problems that appear to be on the increase business owners are very often not covered for damage to shop contents or buildings.
If you go to your local insurance broker who will have knowledge of crime statistics in your area and will be able to guide you to the most appropriate insurance cover for you and the type of business you have. You may consider that your business is in a crime free area but with the increase in street marches that can often turn violent it is very wise to be aware of any risks that vandalism might inflict on your business.
The chance of vandalism in your area might seem remote. Many owners will not have insurance cover but you do need to study exactly what is covered in your policy to ensure that you have appropriate cover for damage to your property as well as other assets and even injury to staff or public whilst they visiting your business.
Cheap insurance cover can be obtained without too much trouble but by using a business insurance broker they will be able to do the research for you to obtain the best policy for your needs. By using a local insurance company they not only will do the let work for you but with their added knowledge and experience may well be able to tailor the policy for your exact needs.
The fact that only a fraction of vandalism is being officially reported to the police it can some times distort the actual figures. It is often referred to as 'hidden crime' and businesses will pay a heavy price if they are not adequately covered by the insurance policy they have. The price of making repairs after a vandalism attack can be very high and owners should not risk not being fully covered when the right policy could give you the protection you need.
Companies that consider themselves low risk should re look at the effect that vandalism and anti social behaviour can have on a business. Using a good local insurance broker will guide you through the process and the exact cover that is appropriate to your business needs which can include buildings, contents, public liability or employer's liability.
You can get further information about Commercial Insurance and Business Insurance at http://www.coversure.co.uk/
http://EzineArticles.com/6500667

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Some of the Best Added Extras With Minicab Insurance

It isn't difficult to get minicab insurance, but there's the common or garden variety and then there's minicab insurance that has added extras, which will make all the difference, both to your pocket, and if you need to make a claim.
Some of the best added extras include:
Flexible payment terms
You want the policy that is best for you, and while you certainly don't want to be over insured and pay for cover that you will never need, there is a chance that the things that you do need will mount up and make the policy cost a little bit more than you had anticipated. Having flexible payment terms means that you can be sure that you can have this policy and not run the risk of being under insured, which could put you in a terrible position should the unthinkable happen.
A policy you can afford even if you don't have a minicab no claims bonus
Everybody has to start somewhere, and if you are new to the business, having to pay an extortionate amount for your policy is not the best start you can have. Some companies will allow you to use your no claims bonus from your private driving so that you take advantage of discounts.
Introductory offers
This can be a great added bonus if you are either looking for a minicab insurance policy for the first time, or you are looking to renew your policy. Many insurers will offer very real discounts if you choose them over their competitors.
You select the timeframe
For many people driving a minicab is something that they do in between other jobs and they don't see it as a long term career. If this is applicable to you, why take out a policy that is in place for a year and then pay expensive penalties if you want to cancel? One of the best added extras is being able to decide whether you want the policy to run for three, six or twelve months, which means that it is you calling the shots, not the insurance company.
Now - in an ideal world, we would receive all of these benefits in one policy for a rock bottom price. Alas, this is unlikely to happen. Therefore, think about which perks you would rely on the most if you were to opt for a particular insurer. Comparing is the essence to driving away knowing that you are fully protected - no matter what is round the corner.
George represents Taxi Protection, an online portal with your interests at heart.
http://EzineArticles.com/6487995

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The Advantages Provided To Businesses With Public Liability Insurance

Insurance represents one of the most intelligent investments businesses make when trying to expand potential and reduce the many financial risks that are developed from this entrepreneurial pursuit. The utilization of public liability insurance can represents one of the greatest resources of this protection when your company regularly interacts with a large quantity of consumers or features a physical store. To determine all the benefits that can be accessed from this liability insurance protection, identify advantages such as business protection, financial security, customer protection, and a lifeline of safety.
Business Projection
The first area of opportunity that is created with a company's investment into public liability insurance can be found with the solutions of business protection. Most small businesses are developed as a result of a significant financial investment made on the part of an owner or business managers. When an incident occurs within your property that can result in financial responsibility, your company can easily be overwhelmed by legal demands and expenses that shut down your business and result in you losing your financial savings. Utilization of insurance can serve as a crucial resource to countering this potential loss.
Financial Security
As previously identified, small businesses are able to operate because of the investment individuals make into their potential. While there is always a risk that exists with your business failing, a person would rather take the risk of business failure then find failure as a result of consumer injury or property damage. Financial security in this regard can be secured through the resources of public liability insurance since your insurance will cover any consumer injury, property damage, or property loss based on your specific protection policy.
Customer Protection
Many businesses identify different ways they can protect their consumers to avoid unfortunate accidents. Barriers are placed in areas that consumers are not permitted to enter and employees spend a significant amount time making sure products are properly stocked in order to avoid the need for creative shopping. Even with all the resources of protection your business takes advantage of, injuries and damage can occur on a regular basis, enforcing the importance related to public liability insurance.
A Lifeline of Safety
The final advantage that your business will be able to utilize is found with how public liability insurance represents a line of safety. The solutions of insurance assist in managing legal fees so your business can be continuously protected regardless of the scrutiny which may be developed from an overly enthusiastic individual seeking financial gain.
Every advantage which has been previously identified only covers a few of the opportunities that are available to business when seeking the safety and security that is provided with public liability insurance.
Each of these advantages displays how companies can benefit from the resources available to them with a public liability insurance online quote. To discover one of the best Internet-based resources your business can access when trying to identify the best company to supply quotes as well as coverage, seek the potential that has been developed through http://www.publicliabilityinsuranceonlinequote.com.au/.
http://EzineArticles.com/6480022

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Are You Penny-Wise, Pound-Foolish When It Comes to Deciding on Medicare Supplement Insurance?

How not purchasing a Medigap Plan can can be a penny-wise, pound-foolish decision.
What does this expression from three centuries ago mean?
Does it still relate to modern life?
How can you apply it when considering your Medicare Supplement Insurance options?
The definition of penny-wise is: unwise thrift.
The whole proverb is: Penny wise-and pound foolish, like the man who lost his horse from his penny wisdom in saving the expense of shoeing it a fresh when one of its shoes was loose.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
There is no doubt about it. Times are tough right now.Really tough and looking like they're going to get even tougher. Times are especially tough if you are over 65 and living on a fixed income.
If part of your income is dependent on interest from investments, you may be living on reduced income due to low interest rates.
If you depend on Social Security for all or part of your income, the lack of COLA increases for two years in a row reads like loss of income.
Rises in costs for must have items like food, fuel, utilities and insurance don't stop or slow because you didn't get a raise in your SS this year.
These are harsh realities. When you are facing reduced income and rising prices the natural and proper impulse is to cut back on non-essentials.
We try to trim spending where we can.
A dangerous trend is emerging. The tendency to view Medicare Supplement Insurance as a non-essential expense.
The cost of Medical care increases 6%-10% per year and that train is NOT slowing down. Just imagine 20% of all outpatient medical costs for even a common procedure like a knee replacement. The average total cost for a total knee is 45K-70K. Part A will cover your room and board for a semi-private room after a $1132 deductible.
Your surgery fees,doctor visits, cane, walker, commode, therapy visits and more are all subject to the 80/20 co-insurance under Medicare Part B.
Let's crunch some numbers.
The average cost for day of room, board and care in a hospital is $4,350.The average hospital stay for the surgery is 3-5 days. Let's use 4 days for our figures. $4,350X 4 days is $17,400. That is your Part A expenses. Medicare will cover all of it after you pay an $1132 deductible.We will subtract the $1132 from the $17,400 to give us a total of $16,268 that is covered by Medicare Part A.
Let's say you shop well and you find yourself on the mid range cost wise for the surgery. Let's use $55,000. If we subtract the $16,268 that Medicare Part A covered from the total cost of $55,000 we are left with $38,472 in Part A deductible and Part B expenses and at least 20% of that will be yours. If you consider that you will pay the deductibles right off the bat $1132+$162=$1294 you are left exposed for 20% of $37,178 or $7435.60. Almost $7500 in bills that are yours and yours alone.
The cost of a quality Medigap plan that will cover the Medicare deductibles and co-insurance can cost as little as $100 per month.
When you really take a hard look at your potential exposure for a common procedure you may find yourself wondering,"Am I being penny-wise, pound foolish when it comes to Medicare Supplement Insurance? Can I afford to be?"
Stephanie Coutavas is an Insurance Professional specializing in Senior Insurance Solutions and Medicare Insurance. Co- founder and Senior Broker at MedicareQuote4U.com Stephanie decided to specialize in Medicare because, "I saw the effects of the confusion and misinformation in the senior market. I really feel that with the proper,correct information, presented in an understandable way that our Seniors can position themselves for the future and achieve the peace of mind and security that they deserve at this exciting stage of life. We strive one client at a time to make sure that we address the individual and that they are better for having met us, regardless of whether they choose us as their broker."
Whether you are receiving Medicare Benefits before age 65, helping a parent or loved one or just not sure if there might be a better value for your health care $$$, we can help. Call us at 1-888-347-5552 to speak with a licensed Medicare Supplement Specialist or visit us at http://www.medicarequote4u.com/. We are your Medicare Supplement experts and we are standing by to help.
http://EzineArticles.com/6498145

Friday, December 16, 2011

Medigap - Benefits of Using an Independent Agency

As the Baby-Boomers turn 65 and start utilizing their Medicare benefits, many will have both the desire and the financial means to purchase some sort of additional insurance to fill in the gaps that Medicare leaves for the consumer to pay. This is where an independent agency is an extremely useful resource.
When people think about buying Medicare supplement insurance often the first thing that comes to mind are the big names: Aetna, Blue Cross, Gerber, Mutual of Omaha, Sterling, etc. Some will spend hours calling or combing the internet trying to ring out the best deal for themselves. While this self-reliance and can-do attitude is noble, what if there is a very simple and easy way to ensure you get the lowest priced Medigap plan? This is where an independent agent comes in!
There are two types of insurance agents that you will meet when you wander through the woods of insurance shopping. The first and most prevalent is the captive agent. A captive agent is an agent that works for a particular insurance company and only sells insurance for that company. The reason they are so prevalent is because when an insurance agent starts off selling insurance they make very little money. Most agents cannot afford the cost of starting a small business, then going without a paycheck for many months. This means they have to sign with a big company that will sponsor them. The other type of insurance agent is an independent agent. This is an agent that is licensed in any particular state to sell insurance and can sell insurance from any company with which they have a contract. Most are contracted with several companies.
The benefit of using an independent agent is that they can compare the costs of all the insurance companies in your area and find you the lowest price. Also, your Medigap policy will not cost you any more if you use an independent agent. Many agents will even pay the mailing costs to process your application. Then in the future when your premiums rise, the independent agent can compare prices again to see if there is a better priced supplement plan for you.
Word of caution! Many seniors will go on the internet and start making quote requests on various web sites. This leads to them being bombarded with agents emailing them and calling them at all times of the day. It doesn't even matter if you are on a do not call list because you are granting permission to be called when you fill out the form. The reason for this happening is many of the internet sites that come up are there simply to collect people's information and then sell it to multiple agents and insurance companies. All Medicare Supplement plans are federally and state regulated, so there is no need to go through this hassle. The ABC plan of one company has the same exact coverage as the ABC plan of another. Also you cannot buy the plan of one company cheaper from one agent than you can another agent. The playing field is level.
So, save yourself a lot of hassle and time and find an independent agent from which to request your insurance quotes. To learn more about more about Medicare and Medicare supplement insurance from a licensed independent agency, visit us today at http://centaurmedicaresolutions.com/
Joel Moyer is an owner and independent agent for Centaur Medicare Solutions. Prior to being licensed as an insurance agent, Joel served in the US Army for over twenty years. His service included many places around the United States and countries including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and South Korea. A more extensive bio is available by clicking his picture on our website.
http://EzineArticles.com/6471822

Monday, December 12, 2011

Expanding The Understanding Of What Is Public Liability Insurance

There are many different types of insurance resources businesses should take advantage of when trying to limit financial risks and identify solutions for security. Many businesses look into the opportunities that exist with protecting their vehicles, product, and associates, having the tendency to overlook the unexpected. When seeking to identify some of the best insurance coverage for your company to take advantage of, it is important to identify just what is public liability insurance.
The utilization of this insurance helps to protect your customers when they take advantage of the various opportunities that may exist with your specific services or companies location. While many consumers are very careful when they take advantage of different shopping opportunities, accidents do occur and most businesses are often found liable. When trying to identify what is public liability insurance, it can easily be identified as a resource of protection where incidents occur to your consumers or to property your consumers own. When identifying the various coverage available with this insurance, there often three potential possibilities.
First Type of Coverage: Injury to a Person
One of the most common reasons to take advantage of what is public liability insurance is found with the coverage your business will be able to utilize when an injury occurs to a person as a result of your company. Whether a consumer is injured at a site your business manages or slips and falls within one of your stores, businesses are often found liable for these injuries whether it was a element of employee negligence or a completely random occurrence.
Second Type of Coverage: Damage to Property
Another area of coverage that you will be able to benefit from when identifying what is public liability insurance exists with damage to property. This property is most commonly a customer's vehicle and damage can occur as a result of a shopping cart, when one of your employees are assisting with loading materials, or many other potential damaging situations.
Third Type of Coverage: Property Loss
The third type of coverage specifically relates to the complete loss of property that is beyond the opportunities of damage repair. This property loss can be incredibly expensive when a business is responsible for replacing or funding the value of the lost property. The use of insurance can assist you in managing these claims so that your business is not directly impacted with this financial responsibility.
Each of these types of coverage can prove highly beneficial to take advantage of when identifying all the possibilities of what is public liability insurance.
Each of these advantages displays how companies can benefit from the resources available to them with a public liability insurance online quote. To discover one of the best Internet-based resources your business can access when trying to identify the best company to supply quotes as well as coverage, seek the potential that has been developed through http://www.publicliabilityinsuranceonlinequote.com.au/.
http://EzineArticles.com/6480015

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Interesting Fleet Stuff

As the owners of an Insurance Broker we are constantly trying to find ways of keeping insurance premium prices down, which in the current economic climate can be difficult, with this in mind we recently attended an exhibition at Earls Court. The theme for this exhibition was various 'green' or 'Eco Friendly' aspects on the vehicle market place, everything from frugal diesel's to innovative hybrids. The exhibition was poorly attended but we found some very interesting stands that covered the areas of fleet operators, commercial vehicle and truck owners.
One stand we found very interesting was exhibiting a 'black box' for vehicles. The box was installed in the vehicles and could provide information that, should it be involved in an accident, was admissible in court.
The gentleman on the stand told us of a case where a truck driver had been in a collision with a car. Subsequently the owner of the car claimed for whiplash himself and all the passengers. The driver recalled fewer passengers in the car than what was on the insurance claim. The driver of the truck considered the collision to be only a minor bump and was concerned that the car driver and passenger where making such a claim.
The black box was used in court and able to prove that the velocity with which the truck hit the car was not sufficient to have caused the injuries being claimed. The result of the court case subsequently saved the insurance company a lot of money.
Whether this story is true or not the concept made good sense to us. If the operators of fleet insurance policies can do anything to combat the crime of insurance fraud then it must be all to the good of everyone. You might think that this is not important as most companies have plenty of money but if they can save money by not having to pay out on fraudulent insurance claims then the cost of policies is reduced for us all.
We found these conversations at the exhibition very interesting and made the visit worth our while. We also found a few other stands that proved to be interesting but we will write about those in further articles. It was interesting for us to see that new ideas are being introduced to help us to keep the costs down on both fleet insurance and commercial vehicle insurance and claims to a minimum.
Coversure are one of the UK's leading Fleet Insurance providers and offer high competitive Fleet Insurance policies.
http://EzineArticles.com/6490909

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Apartment Building Insurance

The concept of getting an insurance policy is for the policyholder's intent to take preventive measures against any kind unforeseen events and disasters. Such circumstances do not only include the various natural calamities but also other cases such as fraud, adultery, and treachery that may happen at any point in one's life. Such that owners of apartments and similar other buildings choose to get the most appropriate apartment building insurance to avoid any unwanted problems enumerated above.
The Basics
Apartment building insurance is a variant of the landlord insurance and is also designed to provide protection for the property owners from loss due to liability, due to damage, and loss of income. And when looking for the right insurance coverage of this kind, there are several factors and elements that need to be examined and looked into. Although most of these insurance policies provide coverage for almost the same conditions, there are limitations and exclusions that may vary from one policy to another. However, here below are some of the basics of this type of insurance policy.
• The Actual Loss Insurance. This part of the business insurance policy provides the property owner protection from vacancy for an apartment or a unit that has remained unrented for a long period of time (the length of which could last up to a year). Most landlords opt for this coverage especially during housing booms such as the one that has been recently experienced.
• The Building Ordinances. Abiding with the many local and state laws that govern the codes and various kinds of building violations can sometimes be time consuming and expensive. This part of the apartment building insurance offers the policyholder protection against the penalties and high fees that come with complying with building ordinances.
• The Commercial Umbrella Coverage. This business insurance policy offers protection for landlord in the event that their current building insurance is unable to cover damages completely due to policy maximums.
• The Liability Concerns. Because we live in a lawsuit-happy society, apartment owners should be careful in choosing the right apartment building insurance coverage for them because these liability concerns can sometimes lead to them losing their buildings and apartment units under the wrong circumstances.
• The Mechanical Breakdown Insurance. This type of business insurance policy can be very useful for the maintenance and handling of repairs that may include the building's air-conditioning or heating equipment to mention a few.
Providing excellent service, coverage and prices for all your business insurance needs. We are dedicated insurance experts in all lines of business insurance products. We have over 10 years of insurance experience and provide excellent protection from the nation's top carriers.
http://EzineArticles.com/6491731

Friday, December 2, 2011

How to Choose the Medicare Supplement That's Right For You

Which is better, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage? This is a question that many people turning 65 will be asking themselves. In my opinion, all things considered equal Medicare Supplement Plan F would be the best option. Plan F covers the Part A and Part B co-insurance and Part A and Part B deductibles. Therefore, most if not all out-of-pocket costs will be paid by Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement Plan F. However, Plan F will probably be the plan with the highest premium.
A Medigap does not include Medicare Prescription Drug benefits. This means that you would have to purchase a separate Part D plan (PDP) which will add to your monthly cost for health insurance.
Medigap plans are standardized which means that Plan F will offer the same benefits regardless of which insurance company you purchase it from. The other Medicare Supplement plans are A, B, C, D, F, High Deductible F, G, K, L, M and N. All insurance companies that sell Medicare Supplements must offer Plan A. Rates, plans and insurance companies selling Medicare Supplements vary from state to state.
A Medicare Advantage plan could be a good alternative to Original Medicare. Many of the plans include the Part D. Premiums for Medicare Advantage plans are generally lower than Medicare Supplement Plans. Some Medicare Advantage plans have zero premiums. Medicare Advantage plan benefits vary from county to county. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits that Medicare doesn't cover such as dental, vision or a free membership to a gym.
When considering Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and POS plans you have to check to see if your doctors are contracted with the plans and what your out-of-pocket expenses will be for each covered service. Technically you can go to any doctor under a PPO plan. But if the doctor doesn't take the PPO you would have to pay the doctor his fees and get reimbursed by the plan later. If it's a PFFS plan, you have to check with your doctors to see if they would accept it. Keep in mind, that a provider can refuse to accept a PFFS plan at any time, even if they have accepted it before.
Everyone's situation is unique and their needs are different. I believe that it is important for seniors to do plenty of research, consult with people you trust and try to make the best decision for you.
Carlos Velazquez
http://www.medicaresupplementspecialists.com/
1-888-749-7088
We will help you compare the Medicare Supplement plans in your area and make sure that you choose the plan that best fits your needs. We work with more than 20 insurance companies in 48 states.
http://EzineArticles.com/6422893