Saturday, May 05, 2007

College Health Insurance

Just because you are young does not mean that you cannot get sick. It happens over and over again. A young man or young woman is at the pinnacle of his or her health. He thinks that nothing can touch him. Then suddenly, tragedy strikes. This happened to me when I was in college. Although I had college health insurance, provided through the university, it was inadequate. I was very sick, and the doctors were less than attentive. Usually, they would just have medical students look at us. It was months before they caught the problem.

When my children go to school, I am going to get them more adequate health insurance. I am not going to let them get jerked around by the College health insurance like I was. There is affordable health insurance for students available. A lot of students do not take it. They assume that the university will provide college health insurance, and do not take a look at how lackluster this health insurance is. Although there is college health insurance that is free with your tuition, you should look and see what services it actually provides. In many colleges, it provides very little. If you get sick, you will only be looked over by unqualified medical attendants and perhaps handed a prescription for some pills. It is easy to get very sick without anyone ever catching it on normal college health insurance.

A lot of companies are willing to offer affordable college student health insurance. You see, young people are a relatively low risk to insurers. Because they are young, their bodies are stronger and they are less prone to illness. College health insurers are aware of this, and willing to offer competitive rates. Even if you do get college health insurance through the university, you might still go for this plan.

Some universities even offer an option to opt out of their college health insurance. You can get a discount for using another health insurance plan. If this is an option, you should seriously consider it. If I had known about it ahead of time, it would have saved me a lot of suffering. I would have been looked after by someone more qualified than the doctors who were seeing me. That way, they would have caught my illness earlier. It is too late for me, but it is not too late for my children to get adequate college health insurance.
Just because you are young does not mean that you cannot get sick. It happens over and over again. A young man or young woman is at the pinnacle of his or her health. He thinks that nothing can touch him. Then suddenly, tragedy strikes. This happened to me when I was in college. Although I had college health insurance, provided through the university, it was inadequate. I was very sick, and the doctors were less than attentive. Usually, they would just have medical students look at us. It was months before they caught the problem.

When my children go to school, I am going to get them more adequate health insurance. I am not going to let them get jerked around by the College health insurance like I was. There is affordable health insurance for students available. A lot of students do not take it. They assume that the university will provide college health insurance, and do not take a look at how lackluster this health insurance is. Although there is college health insurance that is free with your tuition, you should look and see what services it actually provides. In many colleges, it provides very little. If you get sick, you will only be looked over by unqualified medical attendants and perhaps handed a prescription for some pills. It is easy to get very sick without anyone ever catching it on normal college health insurance.

A lot of companies are willing to offer affordable college student health insurance. You see, young people are a relatively low risk to insurers. Because they are young, their bodies are stronger and they are less prone to illness. College health insurers are aware of this, and willing to offer competitive rates. Even if you do get college health insurance through the university, you might still go for this plan.

Some universities even offer an option to opt out of their college health insurance. You can get a discount for using another health insurance plan. If this is an option, you should seriously consider it. If I had known about it ahead of time, it would have saved me a lot of suffering. I would have been looked after by someone more qualified than the doctors who were seeing me. That way, they would have caught my illness earlier. It is too late for me, but it is not too late for my children to get adequate college health insurance.

New Insurance Adjusters

An insured can smell a new adjuster a mile away. All of us were new once, and we all know how frightening it can be on those first inspections. I want to share with you some do's and don'ts that will help you get through these and establish good habits.

Never tell an insured that you're brand new or that this is your first storm event.

Telling an insured this will automatically create an atmosphere of mistrust and uncertainty in the insured. And that will make your job more difficult.

Never discuss your personal problems or your personal life.

Its fine to chitchat...this puts the insured at ease, but keep it light. Remember you are there to adjust their loss. If for any reason you end up denying their claim or they are not happy with your assessment of the damage, THEY WILL repeat anything you have told them. Bottom line is you are a professional. Always conduct yourself that way.

Never give an insured a definite answer on something you are uncertain of, or commit to something you are unsure of.

If you don't know the answer, step away from them, go to your truck and call a manager either in the office or a field manager to get the answer. If you cannot reach someone then, tell the insured you will research it and call them back. Then find the answer and DO call them back. Never just make things up or try to wing it. It will come back to bite you later.

DO come fully prepared.

Have all the tools you need and pertinent paperwork with you, including policies.

Do present yourself in a confident (Not Arrogant) manner.

Do let the insured explain what happened and show you the damage.

Do make sure you do a thorough inspection.

Explain to the insured what the damage is and if it will be covered.

Do ask them if they understand and if they have questions.

Do give the insured your contact number in case they have questions later
An insured can smell a new adjuster a mile away. All of us were new once, and we all know how frightening it can be on those first inspections. I want to share with you some do's and don'ts that will help you get through these and establish good habits.

Never tell an insured that you're brand new or that this is your first storm event.

Telling an insured this will automatically create an atmosphere of mistrust and uncertainty in the insured. And that will make your job more difficult.

Never discuss your personal problems or your personal life.

Its fine to chitchat...this puts the insured at ease, but keep it light. Remember you are there to adjust their loss. If for any reason you end up denying their claim or they are not happy with your assessment of the damage, THEY WILL repeat anything you have told them. Bottom line is you are a professional. Always conduct yourself that way.

Never give an insured a definite answer on something you are uncertain of, or commit to something you are unsure of.

If you don't know the answer, step away from them, go to your truck and call a manager either in the office or a field manager to get the answer. If you cannot reach someone then, tell the insured you will research it and call them back. Then find the answer and DO call them back. Never just make things up or try to wing it. It will come back to bite you later.

DO come fully prepared.

Have all the tools you need and pertinent paperwork with you, including policies.

Do present yourself in a confident (Not Arrogant) manner.

Do let the insured explain what happened and show you the damage.

Do make sure you do a thorough inspection.

Explain to the insured what the damage is and if it will be covered.

Do ask them if they understand and if they have questions.

Do give the insured your contact number in case they have questions later

Female Insurance Adjusters

More and more women are discovering the field of Independent Insurance Adjusting and I believe this will have a positive impact on our industry.

There was a time when the females you saw in the field were part of a husband and wife team with the husband as the adjuster and the wife who assisted them. When you did see a female who was the adjuster it was few and far between.

But that is changing.

Not only are women finding that they are capable of doing this job, but many have become quite successful at it.

Organizers by nature, the female adjuster has been able to grasp the need for details that is such an important part of our job. This dedicated attention to the details has resulted in a very good completed work product, and that makes the insurance carriers happy. And women tend not to be afraid to ask the needed questions in order to get things done correctly.

I met a female adjuster last year in her mid thirties and fairly new. She was 5'3" and 105 pounds at the most. When I saw the ladder she was using I wondered how well she was going to be able to handle it. But let me tell you, she had that ladder out of the truck, set up and she was on the roof so quick even I was impressed. This was no wimpy ladder either! Her inspection practices were good and her scope was correct and complete.

So to all of the new female adjusters and those that are trying to break into the industry I say Welcome!

I think you'll find that this is an exciting rewarding field and one that you can truly expand and utilize your talents, AND be recognized for them.
More and more women are discovering the field of Independent Insurance Adjusting and I believe this will have a positive impact on our industry.

There was a time when the females you saw in the field were part of a husband and wife team with the husband as the adjuster and the wife who assisted them. When you did see a female who was the adjuster it was few and far between.

But that is changing.

Not only are women finding that they are capable of doing this job, but many have become quite successful at it.

Organizers by nature, the female adjuster has been able to grasp the need for details that is such an important part of our job. This dedicated attention to the details has resulted in a very good completed work product, and that makes the insurance carriers happy. And women tend not to be afraid to ask the needed questions in order to get things done correctly.

I met a female adjuster last year in her mid thirties and fairly new. She was 5'3" and 105 pounds at the most. When I saw the ladder she was using I wondered how well she was going to be able to handle it. But let me tell you, she had that ladder out of the truck, set up and she was on the roof so quick even I was impressed. This was no wimpy ladder either! Her inspection practices were good and her scope was correct and complete.

So to all of the new female adjusters and those that are trying to break into the industry I say Welcome!

I think you'll find that this is an exciting rewarding field and one that you can truly expand and utilize your talents, AND be recognized for them.

State Farm Home Owner Insurance Quote

If you have a home business and need a home owner insurance quote, consider getting your home owner insurance quote from State Farm. As long as you purchase enough home owner insurance to adequately protect your home as well as your home business, you will be safe; however, making sure you have enough home owner insurance for both your home and your home business is just the start. You must take a few more steps throughout the duration of your home owner insurance policy to make sure your home business is thoroughly covered with your State Farm home owner insurance policy.

First, make sure you have taken proper inventory of your home business’ equipment. Include computers, printers, fax machines, copy machines, shredders, scanners, and any other expensive electronic equipment, as well as filing cabinets, desks, and chairs. These are the pieces of equipment you will need to list in the event your home business becomes damaged in some way, so it is extremely important not to forget anything. Also, keep your inventory up to date, and notify your State Farm home owner insurance agent so he or she can make the necessary changes to your State Farm home owner insurance policy.

Next, consider investing in protection devices such as lighting protection systems and electrical surge devices. You can contact a contractor for more information about these kinds of protection.

Finally, keep your State Farm home owner insurance quote low by taking your own precautions. Install a safety alarm system. Record the serial numbers of all business office equipment you purchase. Buy a large safe and store all smaller, expensive office equipment in it when you’re not in the office. If you are willing, consider bolting your larger office equipment to the floor, such as desks, safes, and copy machines.

Take these steps before you get your State Farm home owner insurance quote, and maintain them to keep that quote low.
If you have a home business and need a home owner insurance quote, consider getting your home owner insurance quote from State Farm. As long as you purchase enough home owner insurance to adequately protect your home as well as your home business, you will be safe; however, making sure you have enough home owner insurance for both your home and your home business is just the start. You must take a few more steps throughout the duration of your home owner insurance policy to make sure your home business is thoroughly covered with your State Farm home owner insurance policy.

First, make sure you have taken proper inventory of your home business’ equipment. Include computers, printers, fax machines, copy machines, shredders, scanners, and any other expensive electronic equipment, as well as filing cabinets, desks, and chairs. These are the pieces of equipment you will need to list in the event your home business becomes damaged in some way, so it is extremely important not to forget anything. Also, keep your inventory up to date, and notify your State Farm home owner insurance agent so he or she can make the necessary changes to your State Farm home owner insurance policy.

Next, consider investing in protection devices such as lighting protection systems and electrical surge devices. You can contact a contractor for more information about these kinds of protection.

Finally, keep your State Farm home owner insurance quote low by taking your own precautions. Install a safety alarm system. Record the serial numbers of all business office equipment you purchase. Buy a large safe and store all smaller, expensive office equipment in it when you’re not in the office. If you are willing, consider bolting your larger office equipment to the floor, such as desks, safes, and copy machines.

Take these steps before you get your State Farm home owner insurance quote, and maintain them to keep that quote low.

Using An Insurance Broker, Now That Is Using Your Best Option!

When you think of the number of types of insurance cover you need, talking to an insurance broker seems like a good solution to finding the best coverage for you.

Purchasing your insurance through an insurance broker is such a good idea as you will have someone else doing all the necessary searching to get you the right insurance and at the right price.

Not only that but, an insurance broker understands the insurance ins and outs, talks the insurance language, understands what the terms and conditions mean so he can explain them to you in layman's terms.

When choosing an insurance broker, there are a few things you will need to check. Firstly that the insurance broker is registered. Then the next important question is, if they are connected in any way with an insurance company. An insurance broker should be an independent operator so they do not represent any company in particular. You need to be confident that you are getting the best for you and your insurance needs.

Insurance brokers normally handle the general type of insurance like, car, home, contents, health, etc. They normally do not go into the life insurance area as this type of policy is mainly handled by financial advisors. Always ask if you want them to look into the life insurance policies for you as they could be a financial advisor as well as an insurance broker.

The insurance broker will work to get the best results for you so they will want to know your insurance needs, what type of insurance cover you are looking for and what areas.

You may only want the best home insurance cover at this time and this would be a good place to start, with one policy rather than arranging for all your policies to be sources by an insurance broker. If you are happy with their results then you can arrange for them to look after all your insurance needs.

An insurance broker will

· Ask you about your insurance needs
· Tell you the range of policies they can find for you
· Explain any professional advice they can give you.
· Use their expertise and buying power to get you the best deal
· Make sure you understand what is covered and not covered by your policy
· Let you know the cost of your policy and any fees and charge from them
· Will help you with the policy paperwork and documents
· Explain what support they give you after you have received your policy
· Let you know your rights if you are not satisfied with your policy
· Make sure you understand what are your rights if you change your mind and wish to cancel your policy.

When you enlist an insurance broker to take care of your insurance needs, all of the above will ensure you will get the best coverage for the best possible cost. And another best is, you will not have to remember what policy is due and when, a good insurance broker will contact you in plenty of time for your renewals.

Now that is using your best options.
When you think of the number of types of insurance cover you need, talking to an insurance broker seems like a good solution to finding the best coverage for you.

Purchasing your insurance through an insurance broker is such a good idea as you will have someone else doing all the necessary searching to get you the right insurance and at the right price.

Not only that but, an insurance broker understands the insurance ins and outs, talks the insurance language, understands what the terms and conditions mean so he can explain them to you in layman's terms.

When choosing an insurance broker, there are a few things you will need to check. Firstly that the insurance broker is registered. Then the next important question is, if they are connected in any way with an insurance company. An insurance broker should be an independent operator so they do not represent any company in particular. You need to be confident that you are getting the best for you and your insurance needs.

Insurance brokers normally handle the general type of insurance like, car, home, contents, health, etc. They normally do not go into the life insurance area as this type of policy is mainly handled by financial advisors. Always ask if you want them to look into the life insurance policies for you as they could be a financial advisor as well as an insurance broker.

The insurance broker will work to get the best results for you so they will want to know your insurance needs, what type of insurance cover you are looking for and what areas.

You may only want the best home insurance cover at this time and this would be a good place to start, with one policy rather than arranging for all your policies to be sources by an insurance broker. If you are happy with their results then you can arrange for them to look after all your insurance needs.

An insurance broker will

· Ask you about your insurance needs
· Tell you the range of policies they can find for you
· Explain any professional advice they can give you.
· Use their expertise and buying power to get you the best deal
· Make sure you understand what is covered and not covered by your policy
· Let you know the cost of your policy and any fees and charge from them
· Will help you with the policy paperwork and documents
· Explain what support they give you after you have received your policy
· Let you know your rights if you are not satisfied with your policy
· Make sure you understand what are your rights if you change your mind and wish to cancel your policy.

When you enlist an insurance broker to take care of your insurance needs, all of the above will ensure you will get the best coverage for the best possible cost. And another best is, you will not have to remember what policy is due and when, a good insurance broker will contact you in plenty of time for your renewals.

Now that is using your best options.

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Insurance for Asset Protection

There are many reasons to get insurance. When you have accumulated some wealth, asset protection becomes an insurance consideration. In the olden days you would make your castle larger and then protect against marauders with a moat and high walls. Today most communities don’t allow moats or high stone walls. And the marauders are trial lawyers that could try to take all that you have worked to earn!

A good insurance agent will work with you to have the best possible protection for your situation. It is important to have a balanced plan. You don’t want to have a 12’ front wall and a 1’ rear wall. In insurance terms this means not having $500,000 liability protection for your home in combination with $20,000 liability coverage on your cars.

An example of an asset protection program might include ½ million of liability on a home, autos, RV's, boats, etc... Life insurance of 7 to ten times earnings can also be a part of asset protection. (Your life and ability to earn is a very important asset!)

The next level could be an umbrella policy. This starts where your other insurance ends off. Umbrella’s often start at a half million and larger amounts are available. Disability, health, and long term care insurance are other considerations.

This article is not enough information to make an insurance plan. My suggestion is to find an insurance agent you trust and develop a plan for your needs. Then update your coverage as your needs change. Texas residents are welcome to contact me at my Houston insurance agency
There are many reasons to get insurance. When you have accumulated some wealth, asset protection becomes an insurance consideration. In the olden days you would make your castle larger and then protect against marauders with a moat and high walls. Today most communities don’t allow moats or high stone walls. And the marauders are trial lawyers that could try to take all that you have worked to earn!

A good insurance agent will work with you to have the best possible protection for your situation. It is important to have a balanced plan. You don’t want to have a 12’ front wall and a 1’ rear wall. In insurance terms this means not having $500,000 liability protection for your home in combination with $20,000 liability coverage on your cars.

An example of an asset protection program might include ½ million of liability on a home, autos, RV's, boats, etc... Life insurance of 7 to ten times earnings can also be a part of asset protection. (Your life and ability to earn is a very important asset!)

The next level could be an umbrella policy. This starts where your other insurance ends off. Umbrella’s often start at a half million and larger amounts are available. Disability, health, and long term care insurance are other considerations.

This article is not enough information to make an insurance plan. My suggestion is to find an insurance agent you trust and develop a plan for your needs. Then update your coverage as your needs change. Texas residents are welcome to contact me at my Houston insurance agency

Credit Card Insurance: Is It Overpriced?

The answer to the question of whether credit insurance is overpriced depends whether you are looking at it as a whole or whether you are looking at it in terms of what other credit card issuers are charging. Even if your credit card issuer charges more than that of another issuer, you have to look at the benefits that are part of the package before drawing any conclusions. For example, Credit Card Issuer A may only charge 1.5% for disability insurance but requires that you be out of work the usual thirty days but will only pay for six months, whereas Credit Card Issuer B charges 4%, still requires a thirty-day wait but pays for one year. You need to consider these things before you determine that your credit card issuer charges too much for credit card insurance, and as such, make the decision not to purchase it.

Credit card insurance is an open market, and you have to remember that the credit card companies themselves are not financing the insurance, but are contracting with an insurance company to provide the benefits. Because of this, there is going to be a fluctuation between different credit card issuers because they will be using a different insurance company in most cases. Even if they use the same company, there may be different reasons why rates are different with credit card issuers, one of the most likely be the amount of participation. One of the rating factors that insurance companies use for premiums is the number of participants in a group, meaning the more participants, the lower the rate will be. This is why group rates for any kind of insurance are lower than that of an individual policyholder. The amount of claims is also a contributing factor, which may be another reason different credit card issuers have different rates for credit card insurance.

Before making a decision based on the rates your credit insurer charges, make sure you consider all of the possibilities and look at what the future may hold for you if for some reason you need the insurance and it is not there. Remember, once you become ill or injured, you cannot suddenly decide to take the insurance in order to cover that incident. The insurance must be in force prior to the incident in order for it to be covered.
The answer to the question of whether credit insurance is overpriced depends whether you are looking at it as a whole or whether you are looking at it in terms of what other credit card issuers are charging. Even if your credit card issuer charges more than that of another issuer, you have to look at the benefits that are part of the package before drawing any conclusions. For example, Credit Card Issuer A may only charge 1.5% for disability insurance but requires that you be out of work the usual thirty days but will only pay for six months, whereas Credit Card Issuer B charges 4%, still requires a thirty-day wait but pays for one year. You need to consider these things before you determine that your credit card issuer charges too much for credit card insurance, and as such, make the decision not to purchase it.

Credit card insurance is an open market, and you have to remember that the credit card companies themselves are not financing the insurance, but are contracting with an insurance company to provide the benefits. Because of this, there is going to be a fluctuation between different credit card issuers because they will be using a different insurance company in most cases. Even if they use the same company, there may be different reasons why rates are different with credit card issuers, one of the most likely be the amount of participation. One of the rating factors that insurance companies use for premiums is the number of participants in a group, meaning the more participants, the lower the rate will be. This is why group rates for any kind of insurance are lower than that of an individual policyholder. The amount of claims is also a contributing factor, which may be another reason different credit card issuers have different rates for credit card insurance.

Before making a decision based on the rates your credit insurer charges, make sure you consider all of the possibilities and look at what the future may hold for you if for some reason you need the insurance and it is not there. Remember, once you become ill or injured, you cannot suddenly decide to take the insurance in order to cover that incident. The insurance must be in force prior to the incident in order for it to be covered.

Women's Cheap Car Insurance

As sexist as it may sound, gender sometimes place a significant role in a person’s car insurance rates. Women drivers usually get cheaper car insurance rates than men drivers, because statistically, of the two genders, women drivers are more conscientious drivers, who drive safer vehicles, and who file less car insurance claims. Sure, not all women drivers are better drivers than men drivers, but the statistics have spoken loud enough for many of the car insurance companies in America to listen.

However, American car insurance companies are not the only companies that have taken notice and began to offer cheap car insurance policies to women drivers; the UK is also offering lower car insurance rates to women drivers. There are many companies and organizations throughout the UK dedicated solely to helping women get cheap car insurance rates, as well as providing car insurance tips and advice to women drivers. A quick search of the Internet will bring up many of these organizations.

Of course, while women drivers may statistically get lower car insurance rates than men drivers, women drivers are subject to the same criteria as men are subject to, such as:

• Driving records and histories of the driver and/or policyholder
• Location in which the driver and/or policyholder lives and parks her car
• Safety, make, model, and year of the vehicle being insured
• Credit history of the policyholder
• Age and experience of the driver and/or policyholder

For women drivers to optimize their ability to get cheap car insurance rates, they must practice safe driving habits of their own – rather than riding the coattails of the safe women drivers before them – as well as continue to drive safe vehicles and park their vehicles is safe locations, regardless of the area in which they live. Women drivers should also pay attention to their driving records and credit reports, as well as make improvements whenever necessary and possible.
As sexist as it may sound, gender sometimes place a significant role in a person’s car insurance rates. Women drivers usually get cheaper car insurance rates than men drivers, because statistically, of the two genders, women drivers are more conscientious drivers, who drive safer vehicles, and who file less car insurance claims. Sure, not all women drivers are better drivers than men drivers, but the statistics have spoken loud enough for many of the car insurance companies in America to listen.

However, American car insurance companies are not the only companies that have taken notice and began to offer cheap car insurance policies to women drivers; the UK is also offering lower car insurance rates to women drivers. There are many companies and organizations throughout the UK dedicated solely to helping women get cheap car insurance rates, as well as providing car insurance tips and advice to women drivers. A quick search of the Internet will bring up many of these organizations.

Of course, while women drivers may statistically get lower car insurance rates than men drivers, women drivers are subject to the same criteria as men are subject to, such as:

• Driving records and histories of the driver and/or policyholder
• Location in which the driver and/or policyholder lives and parks her car
• Safety, make, model, and year of the vehicle being insured
• Credit history of the policyholder
• Age and experience of the driver and/or policyholder

For women drivers to optimize their ability to get cheap car insurance rates, they must practice safe driving habits of their own – rather than riding the coattails of the safe women drivers before them – as well as continue to drive safe vehicles and park their vehicles is safe locations, regardless of the area in which they live. Women drivers should also pay attention to their driving records and credit reports, as well as make improvements whenever necessary and possible.

The Role of the "Health Insurance Broker"

A health insurance broker is just like any other type of broker; this one just happens to specialize in the field of health insurance. A broker is somewhat like a matchmaker. His responsibility is to match up those seeking health insurance with health insurance companies that most closely match that person or group's needs.

Quality is better than quantity. It is of no use writing numerous pages of nonsense for the reader. Instead, it is better to write a short, and informative article on specific subjects like health insurance. People tend to enjoy it more.

Health insurance brokers are sought by those individuals who, for various reasons, do not belong to a group insurance policy. These individuals are often the self-employed, or those with pre-existing conditions. However, a health insurance broker will also work with the coordinators of group insurance benefits in much the same way he works with an individual. The broker is given a list of desired benefits, either by an individual or a group coordinator, and the broker shops around to find the best match. The health insurance broker then presents what he feels is the best plan based on the list of needs, and if the person or group benefits coordinator agrees, the broker usually works to get a contract signed by both parties.

Who Does the Health Insurance Broker Work For?

It's important to understand that a health insurance broker does not work for a health insurance company. Instead, a broker makes it his business to know all about the different health insurance companies in the area including their reputations, their frequency of rate increases, and even such things as the way they treat policy holders who submit a lot of medical claims. But even though the health insurance broker is different from a health insurance company, it often does happen that a broker is given an incentive (usually a financial incentive) to recommend one health insurance company over another.

There has been a gradual introduction to the world of health insurance projected in this article. We had done this so that the actual meaning of the article will sink within you.

Nothing abusive about health insurance have been intentionally added here. Whatever it is that we have added, is all informative and productive to you.

Will it Cost More to Use a Broker?

We have not actually resorted to roundabout means of getting our message on health insurance through to you. All the matter here is genuine and to the point.

Does the cost of health insurance differ if it is secured by a broker? That's difficult to answer in general terms. A health insurance broker might be able to get an individual included in a group plan that is offered by the state or a trade union or organization and in such a case, an applicant might find the rates are lower and the coverage better than if he had attempted directly applying via a health insurance company. Most health insurance brokers work on commission and only make money when they've matched up insurer and insured. That means that one party or the other (and in some cases, both parties) typically is responsible for paying the broker's fee.

Because the rates and the rules regarding health insurance are continually changing, health insurance brokers are few and far between. Most states do have licensing requirements that brokers must meet before they're allowed to work as a health insurance broker. And because these requirements are issued at the state level, they differ from state to state. But if you find yourself lost in the tangled web of health insurance red tape, consider working with a health insurance broker. That person might just turn out to be your best ally.
A health insurance broker is just like any other type of broker; this one just happens to specialize in the field of health insurance. A broker is somewhat like a matchmaker. His responsibility is to match up those seeking health insurance with health insurance companies that most closely match that person or group's needs.

Quality is better than quantity. It is of no use writing numerous pages of nonsense for the reader. Instead, it is better to write a short, and informative article on specific subjects like health insurance. People tend to enjoy it more.

Health insurance brokers are sought by those individuals who, for various reasons, do not belong to a group insurance policy. These individuals are often the self-employed, or those with pre-existing conditions. However, a health insurance broker will also work with the coordinators of group insurance benefits in much the same way he works with an individual. The broker is given a list of desired benefits, either by an individual or a group coordinator, and the broker shops around to find the best match. The health insurance broker then presents what he feels is the best plan based on the list of needs, and if the person or group benefits coordinator agrees, the broker usually works to get a contract signed by both parties.

Who Does the Health Insurance Broker Work For?

It's important to understand that a health insurance broker does not work for a health insurance company. Instead, a broker makes it his business to know all about the different health insurance companies in the area including their reputations, their frequency of rate increases, and even such things as the way they treat policy holders who submit a lot of medical claims. But even though the health insurance broker is different from a health insurance company, it often does happen that a broker is given an incentive (usually a financial incentive) to recommend one health insurance company over another.

There has been a gradual introduction to the world of health insurance projected in this article. We had done this so that the actual meaning of the article will sink within you.

Nothing abusive about health insurance have been intentionally added here. Whatever it is that we have added, is all informative and productive to you.

Will it Cost More to Use a Broker?

We have not actually resorted to roundabout means of getting our message on health insurance through to you. All the matter here is genuine and to the point.

Does the cost of health insurance differ if it is secured by a broker? That's difficult to answer in general terms. A health insurance broker might be able to get an individual included in a group plan that is offered by the state or a trade union or organization and in such a case, an applicant might find the rates are lower and the coverage better than if he had attempted directly applying via a health insurance company. Most health insurance brokers work on commission and only make money when they've matched up insurer and insured. That means that one party or the other (and in some cases, both parties) typically is responsible for paying the broker's fee.

Because the rates and the rules regarding health insurance are continually changing, health insurance brokers are few and far between. Most states do have licensing requirements that brokers must meet before they're allowed to work as a health insurance broker. And because these requirements are issued at the state level, they differ from state to state. But if you find yourself lost in the tangled web of health insurance red tape, consider working with a health insurance broker. That person might just turn out to be your best ally.

Flood Insurance Benefits Outweigh Costs

Thousands of under-insured homeowners in the path of Hurricane Katrina learned first-hand the financial devastation of flooding. Every home in the United States has a one in four chance of experiencing some type of flood damage every three decades according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). With the increase in global warming, more intense storms with their severe flooding will alter the financial future of those with no or minimal insurance for rising waters.

Flood zones are categorized by FEMA by their likelihood to experience flooding based on a once-in-a-century model that states a flood having a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any year. Areas rated an “A” are at the highest risk and all potential mortgage lenders offering a loan in an “A” flood zone will require the borrower to obtain flood insurance. Locals labeled “B”, “C”, “D”, “V” and “X” carry lower risks and the possibility that mandatory insurance might not be required.

However, lower risk doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t diminish the opportunity for severe flooding. Evolving weather patterns offer areas that historically have predictable precipitation and storm patterns experiencing record rainfalls and flash flooding that haven’t implemented wide ranging flood control infrastructure. Flood damage can also be caused by overwhelmed storm sewer systems backing up into your home.

Rates for policies vary from two to seven hundred dollars a year, based on your flood risk level. Plans restrict coverage amounts to $250,000 for structures and $100,000 in personal property. Florida leads the country with the largest number of flood insurance policy holders. The visual images of the homes in the path of Katrina should offer a stark reminder of why flood insurance in a benefit not a cost.
Thousands of under-insured homeowners in the path of Hurricane Katrina learned first-hand the financial devastation of flooding. Every home in the United States has a one in four chance of experiencing some type of flood damage every three decades according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). With the increase in global warming, more intense storms with their severe flooding will alter the financial future of those with no or minimal insurance for rising waters.

Flood zones are categorized by FEMA by their likelihood to experience flooding based on a once-in-a-century model that states a flood having a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any year. Areas rated an “A” are at the highest risk and all potential mortgage lenders offering a loan in an “A” flood zone will require the borrower to obtain flood insurance. Locals labeled “B”, “C”, “D”, “V” and “X” carry lower risks and the possibility that mandatory insurance might not be required.

However, lower risk doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t diminish the opportunity for severe flooding. Evolving weather patterns offer areas that historically have predictable precipitation and storm patterns experiencing record rainfalls and flash flooding that haven’t implemented wide ranging flood control infrastructure. Flood damage can also be caused by overwhelmed storm sewer systems backing up into your home.

Rates for policies vary from two to seven hundred dollars a year, based on your flood risk level. Plans restrict coverage amounts to $250,000 for structures and $100,000 in personal property. Florida leads the country with the largest number of flood insurance policy holders. The visual images of the homes in the path of Katrina should offer a stark reminder of why flood insurance in a benefit not a cost.