Affordable Discount Dental Plans - 4 Things You Should Know Before Joining a Discount Plan

There are affordable discount dental plans available nationwide for both individual and family. The secret is to know what to look for and also to check for availability in your state. Most plans have a substantial network of qualified health care providers, however it's possible that you may not have a participating dentist in the immediate area where you live. This happens occasionally to people that live in rural areas or a considerable distance from a large city or town.

1. Discount dental plan members receive big discounts that are normally between 10-30% off the cost of routine dental care. However, the savings can substantially more on certain procedures such as crowns, dentures, bridges and more. You can get more plan details and sample savings directly from the company you choose to consider.

2. Co-Pays & Premiums

Discount dental plans are an insurance alternative, not a policy. Therefore, there are no co-pays, deductibles or premium payments. There is a low annual fee for membership fee that costs between $80-$180.00, depending on the dental plan you choose and whether it's for an individual or an entire family. Some companies allow members to pay this fee monthly, however they usually charge you more for doing it. For example, there's one company that offers monthly payments of $19.95 for a family. This adds up to be $239.40 per year. However, a different company with a comparable plan will only cost you $179.95, if you pay it in advance. That's a difference of $59.45. Saving money doesn't hurt, but only you know your budget best.

3. Quality Dental Care

Discount dental plans offer quality dental care just as any health insurance policy would. If you decide to join you'll see the same qualified dentists and specialists that you see listed online or in the yellow pages. Your current dentist may already be a member of a network.

4. Plan Exclusions

In general there are no plan exclusions. This means that the cost of any existing problem you may need taken care of will likely be a lot less. Since discount cards are not insurance you usually won't have to worry about this.

The only exclusion that you may run into while using a discount card is trying to receive a discount on unfinished orthodontic work. This means that if an orthodontist has already begun the work on your braces then you would not be able to receive a discount from a member dentist. This type of scenario is rare though so you shouldn't worry about it. The simple solution would be to join a discount plan before you get the work started. There are no age limits for using the service.

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Dental Service Plan - 3 Facts About Dental Plans That You Must Know Before You Buy

Buying a dental service plan isn't as easy as 1, 2, 3. You need to know exactly what you're buying before you spend the money and the only way to do that is by researching the facts. There are mainly two types of dental plans available to you. These are Dental Insurance and Discount Dental Plans. There are big differences between the two so let's dig right in and learn the facts.

Fact #1. Dental insurance will not pay for any existing condition that you may already have. This means that if you already have caries (cavities), have a broken tooth, missing teeth, etc that having an insurance policy will not help you one bit. The word "insurance" means to "provide protection in case of an unforeseen event" and something that has already happened is not an unforeseen event. A policy may provide some coverage after a mandatory one year waiting period, but the conditions to be treated and the amount covered are at the sole discretion of the dental insurance provider.

Fact #2. Dental insurance will not pay for braces. Orthodontics care is not covered by a standard insurance policy and must be purchased separately. Also, it has an a low annual coverage limit, usually starting at around a $2,000 maximum for an individual and $4,000 per family and it will only cover up to 50% of all costs incurred for braces.

Fact #3. Discount Dental Plans are NOT insurance. These service plans offer discounts only. There are benefits to this though. The first is that you can be seen immediately for any condition you may have and you'll receive a discount. The only alternative would be to pay full price. Also, there are no age limits or exclusions and braces, dentures, bridges and crowns are all included within the plans.

These are three facts about dental service plans that are very important in the decision making process for both individuals and families. The decision you make should be based on your immediate needs.

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How to Beat the High Cost of Braces

Getting braces for your children is one of the most challenging things about being a responsible parent. The fact of the matter is that orthodontic work is not cheap and unless you are financially prepared for it, you may face a problem that you aren't able to afford. There are a few things that you should be aware of before you go shopping for braces. Let's take a look at your options.

#1. Dental insurance does not cover orthodontic care. Most people are under the impression that if they own a dental insurance policy that they're automatically covered for braces, but this is far from the truth. The fact of the matter is that a standard dental insurance plan does not cover braces at all.

#2. Orthodontic insurance is sold as a completely separate policy and, unfortunately, it doesn't cover 100% of the costs either. The biggest drawbacks of buying an orthodontic policy are that the policy will only cover up to 50% of the total costs of the work. That means that you'll pay the monthly premiums just like any other policy and you'll pay a co-pay each time you visit the dentist, just like any other policy, however, you'll only be insured for 50% of the total cost of the braces. The other bad news about these plans is that they also carry an annual limit. Most common annual limits are around $2,000 for an individual and $4,000 for a family. This means that if the total cost of the braces is $3,000 your policy would only pay for 50% or $1,500 and you'd be limited to a maximum of an additional $500 for the remainder of the year.

#3. Discount dental plans are a good option for those in need of braces. The only drawbacks to a discount plan are that you are limited to only seeing dentists within the network of the plan and you'll need to pay a fee to join. These can range from $20.00 per month up to around $180.00 per year for a family. It's generally less expensive to pay a year in advance for most plans. Also, you may either be limited in your choice of dentists or be forced to travel if you live in a rural area. However, it would definitely be worth driving for an hour or two if you were going to save several hundred or thousand dollars.

#4. You may be able to find an orthodontist that would be willing to finance your costs. This isn't very common, but there are dentists that do this so you may get lucky if you look around a bit. Some family dentistry clinics now offer financing, but they usually charge substantial interest and most require a down payment.

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Protect Your Belongings With House Contents Insurance

House contents insurance is something every homeowner should have. This is an insurance policy that can be taken out to insure the items you have built up over the years in your home in case they should be destroyed, damaged or stolen. In general anything that you could pick up and take with you would be covered in this type of policy but you do have to check the terms and conditions as the exclusions will vary from provider to provider.

One of the best ways to check out several policies for the best deal and the lowest cost is with a specialist broker. They will search online for the lowest priced policies and then you are able to compare them. All policies should come with the key facts and the information needed to be able to determine what is and is not included in a policy.

The premium you will pay for the insurance will be worked out by how much in total your home contents are worth. If you under insure when setting this figure you would lose out in the eventuality that all your contents were destroyed, say in a fire. However if you over insure then you will be paying out more than you need to for your policy as this figure is taken into account when setting the premium.

To work out how much your contents are worth you need to go around your home and add everything up. It can be surprising when you start totaling all the little things up how much this comes to. You should not forget to count such items as those in the kitchen cupboards such as cutlery, utensils e.t.c and also the contents of the wardrobe, all of these items count and add up. Of course items such as TV, computer and games machines should be covered, but sometime a policy might state that these are only covered up to a certain amount. Home office equipment if you work from home will not usually be covered. Always check for this in the terms and conditions of the cover before taking it on and if you are insure about whether something would be included in the policy then ask.

When taking out house contents insurance you need to know what cover you are taking, you can generally choose to insure against wear and tear or take a new for old policy. A new for old policy means that you would get the value of what the items are today if you should have to replace them, not what they were worth. Whereas wear and tear would take depreciation into account.

If you have valuables in your home such as expensive jewelery, collections or paintings then you will probably have to insure these under a separate policy. Any items over a certain amount of money are generally excluded from a general house contents insurance policy unless you have specifically told the insurance company about them. The majority of policies will payout due to fire, theft, flood damage or vandalism but again always check the small print to ensure that the policy you are considering does.

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How to Protect Yourself From Laptop Theft

For most people owning a laptop is all about convenience. Being able to sit where your want to work, wander around from office to office, sit in front of the television or even browse the web in bed are the reasons why laptops have become so popular.

It has also become much more than a work tool. For many people it is the place where you keep all the things that are important to you: your email and financial information, business secrets, personal writings, even irreplaceable media like photos, film, and writings.

So if your laptop were stolen from you tomorrow, what would it do to your life?

Even worse, if a laptop belonging to your business were stolen that contained the personal data of customers or clients, it could put all of them at risk of identity theft and you could be held liable.

This crime draws both the common thief and the more sophisticated identity thief alike, and it's on the rise in England. Last year, a laptop belonging to the Nationwide and containing the personal information of over 11 million customers was stolen and never recovered. In London, laptop theft is up 15% on last year, with over 6500 laptops stolen in 2006 (not including laptops stolen out of homes and offices). Other metropolitan areas in Britain have similar statistics: over 2000 in Edinburgh with a 31% increase, and a 15% increase in Manchester.

Having a laptop stolen is personal nightmare if it is your own machine, but so much worse if you lose information that compromises your friends, co-workers, and clients. At Marks & Spencer's, a laptop lost in 2007 contained sensitive data about 26,000 employees, including their national insurance numbers and other personal identifying information. That cost Marks & Spencer's free credit checks for all employees and a promise to cover them for any damages if their identities were compromised. In the Nationwide case above, the company was fined just under a million pounds.

And even if you get the laptop back, even if the laptop was only "borrowed" its data can be copied off in minutes, putting any data on it at risk even after the machine is returned.

Two simple steps protect yourself against losing your personal computer?

The First Step: Protect Yourself

Laptops are at risk due to the very portability that makes them useful. It takes only seconds for someone to carry off your unguarded laptop, along with all its precious contents. The first thing to do is not leave it unprotected, even for a minute; keep it in sight. Get good security on your wireless connections while you're at it, and carefully choose the places where you use that connection.

You can also get physical barriers against using a stolen laptop. For instance, biometrics including fingerprint scanners has become increasingly popular with laptops, and key cards that you keep in your wallet or luggage separate from the laptop can been used to secure it. Computers with hard drives mated to internal workings prevent your hard drive from being removed and copied. And if your laptop is used to access the Internet after it is stolen, there are subscription services that can trace it remotely and render it unusable whilst it connects to the web.

The Second Step: Consider Laptop Insurance

Laptop insurance is becoming one of the fastest growing specialist insurances. With low-cost monthly premiums having some form of insurance policy could be the one thing between you and financial ruin. Laptop insurance is cheap, and if you have used other protections for your laptop, it gets even cheaper. Many providers offer worldwide cover, accidental damage protection and a 48 hour replacement service.

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Insurance Land Surveyor

Land is considered as one of the priceless possessions that you can have in this earth. Ever since, land has this concept of being sacred and beyond the control of those who do not own it. While land before were free for use of the inhabitants, the population has tremendously increased such that most the lands now for public disposal are either occupied or titled. People who possess ownership over a parcel of land either by occupation or by clean title would like to protect the same from any person who would attempt to dispossess them of the property. Those were the times when the land insurance was not yet contemplated. Those were also the days when the insurance land surveyor was not yet born.

Often times, land claims and disputes arise and some of these have been at the price of one's life. This is how people are willing to risk their life for a piece of land. Traditionally, local folks have their council of elders and their local laws to settle whatever land claims and disputes are through physical strength. Nowadays, there is not much need for that since there is an insurance land surveyor around who can help you determine the exact measurements of your land including the boundaries through state-of-the-art technology.

A land surveyor is somebody who is involved with land by measuring the field, reading old cadastral records and making data analysis. He will set the property's boundaries. Construction layouts that need precise measurements of the land, its elevation, and volume will need the work of a good land surveyor. Land surveyors are out in the field most of the day along with construction crew and other equipments. Land surveyors get insurance land surveyor for their jobs.

Surveyors opt to have insurance because they are personally held liable incase they make errors in their jobs. If they declared boundaries on the particular piece of land, but they unknowingly expanded the boundary, they are liable for the aggrieved party. These aggrieved parties have a right to sue the surveyor because their property rights have been violated. Surveyors will come face to face with a very costly lawsuit. Insurance companies offer insurance land surveyor that kind of insurance. While they offer land survey firms business insurance. This usually includes professional liability for errors, worker's compensation and commercial auto.

For surveyors working under firms, check your company policy. Did they insure their employees? Just because the company got an insurance that includes professional liability for errors, don't be so sure that you are off the hook. There might be lapses and the company can actually change the insurance policy because the rate fluctuated to a higher one or forget to pay it. While the company has a new insurance land surveyor policy, the land surveyor still remains with the possibility of lawsuits.

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Get Insured to Cycle Your Way to Savings

Bicycles have emerged as an alternative to motoring with fuel prices rising steeply across the country. However, if you choose to take to the saddle rather than sit behind the wheel of a car you should ensure you have suitable home insurance in place.

Choosing a bike instead of a car can save a significant amount of cash - no petrol to pay for, no road tax, no congestion charges and no car insurance. However, bicycle thefts have been on the rise with one insurer reporting a bicycle is stolen in the UK once every 65 seconds, which makes insurance vital.

There are several options for cyclists to consider. Firstly they can take out cover for the bike itself as a stand-alone policy or alternatively, they can take out third-party or personal accident cover. It is possible to take out bike insurance and this could be useful if your bicycle is particularly valuable as it may have unique cover options such as replacement hire, emergency recovery and even worldwide use if you plan to take your bike abroad.

However, for the majority of cyclists, adding a bicycle to a home insurance policy will be sufficient. Some offer specific cycle cover within their policies, while others allow bicycles to be included as an item under a standard contents policy. You should check to see exactly where your bike is covered - for example is it covered at home, in outbuildings, and will it also be covered in public places?

It's worth checking the level of cover before you buy - also pay attention to your excess so it's at a suitable level to make a claim worthwhile.

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Comic Book Insurance - Should I Insure My Comic Book Collection?

If you are a comic collector and have a substantial amount of money invested in a few select comics, then insurance is a necessity....especially if these comics are rare, hard-to-find or top-of-the-line Golden Age or Silver Age vintage comics. On the other hand, if your own several hundred or thousand comics that are worth only $l-$3 each, it may not be very practical or cost-effective to insure them.

It is possible to get insurance to cover your comic book collection loss, theft or damage. In the worst case scenario, the amount that insurance companies will pay is typically limited to just 10% of the total cover or $10,000. If you do have an extensive collection, you may have several comics and they're worth this much money, so it would be in your best interest to take out insurance on the collection.

Most insurance companies will want some sort of inventory list or record of your collection, along with an estimated worth of the comics. If you've already written up a list for your collection, with the books' conditions and prices listed, then it's an easy step to getting them insured.

If you already have a homeowner's insurance policy, your collection may be covered automatically. Still, to substantiate any claims, you're going to have to have some sort of record of the comics you own. since collectors generally buy and sell comics continuously, its' hard to keep and complete and current inventory.

For these reasons, large collections of low-value books may be more trouble to insure than they are worth.

On the other hand, if you own several comics that are worth $l00 or more, insurance against theft and damage may ease your mind. One other alternative to the insurance problem for the very expensive comics is simple to rent a bank safety-deposit box. You can store from l0 to 50 comics or more depending on the size of the box, and you know that your irreplaceable books are well protected.

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Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs - What Will Your Insurance Policy Pay When You Break a CFL Bulb?

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL)...Everybody's singing the praises of this new technology. And for good reason...they save tons of electricity.

But what happens if one breaks inside your house or business?

My opinion is that most people will simply sweep up the mess and not give it much thought. But there is a BIG, dangerous component in a bulb called Mercury, and mercury is one of the most toxic substances known to man.

If you break a CFL bulb, you'll likely find that the proper cleanup could be very costly. And you'll likely find that there is NO COVERAGE in your property insurance policy. Most policies have environmental cleanup exclusions. Even if your home is damaged by a tornado, hurricane or fire, the broken bulbs could cause you to incur thousands of dollars in environmental cleanup costs that your insurance policy will EXCLUDE.

Because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends the following clean-up and disposal guidelines:(1)

1. Before Clean-up: Ventilate the Room

* Have people and pets leave the room, and don't let anyone walk through the breakage area on their way out.

* Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.

* Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.

2. Clean-Up Steps for Hard Surfaces

* Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.

* Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.

* Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag.

* Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.

3. Clean-up Steps for Carpeting or Rug:

* Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.

* Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.

* If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken.

* Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.

4. Clean-up Steps for Clothing, Bedding, etc.:

* If clothing or bedding materials come in direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from inside the bulb that may stick to the fabric, the clothing or bedding should be discarded. Do not wash such clothing or bedding because mercury fragments in the clothing may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage.

* You can, however, wash clothing or other materials that have been exposed to the mercury vapor from a broken CFL, such as the clothing you happened to be wearing when you cleaned up the broken CFL, as long as that clothing has not come into direct contact with the materials from the broken bulb.

* If shoes come into direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from the bulb, wipe them off with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place the towels or wipes in a glass jar or plastic bag for disposal.

5. Disposal of Clean-up Materials

* Immediately place all cleanup materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area for the next normal trash pickup.

* Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.

* Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area. Some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken mercury-containing bulbs be taken to a local recycling center.

6. Future Cleaning of Carpeting or Rug: Ventilate the Room During and After Vacuuming

* The next several times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a window prior to vacuuming.

* Keep the central heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed.

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Cheap Car Insurance

Finding good car insurance can be very difficult. Here are a few tips:


* Try a few different insurance companies. Companies are different. So are their prices. You may find that one company wants to charge you $1000/month for insurance and another will only charge you $400/month. You might be one of the lucky ones who only gets charged $30/month. Regardless of who you are, call multiple carriers even if the first quote you get appears to be low. You may find another company with a lower rate for you.

* Talk to friends and family. Other people are just like you, they want cheap insurance too. Chances are, you know someone who has already called all over the place and can give you some good pointers on which car insurance companies were the cheapest for them. Remember, nobody likes to spend money on auto insurance.

* Use the internet. The internet is a great place to find auto insurance. You can find out information about insurance companies, compare rates, get quotes, and shop around without leaving your house. There are also websites out there like 1carinsurance.org who have organized insurance company data and user data and will tell you which companies people are having success with in finding the best car insurance for them.

* Get auto insurance quotes. Don't just trust them. Get a quote. They're free (or, if the quote isn't free you know you don't want to use that company). If you can get quotes from 6 or 7 different companies, you then have hard data to compare the companies against each other. You're also pretty sure you're going to get the lowest rate.

* Try local companies. Often times people only think about the big auto insurance companies like Geico or Progressive. They don't even look around their local communities for auto insurance companies that might exist. Often local companies can offer cheaper rates because they don't have the large buracracy that larger companies have.


Just remember to shop around as you look for cheaper car insurance. The first company isn't always the best.

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Why Should You Purchase Your Auto Insurance Online?

If you’re interested in slashing your auto insurance bill in half then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider purchasing auto insurance online. Buying your auto insurance online is extremely easy and very convenient. The process is fast and only requires filling out a simple form. The best part is you can receive multiple quotes from several different auto insurance providers from the privacy of your own home. You can even search for a new money saving car insurance policy in your pajamas if desire to do so.

Many experts agree that most consumers overpay on their insurance policies due to a lack of shopping around. This includes vehicular insurance. Additionally they overwhelmingly endorse purchasing auto insurance online due to the ability to start your insurance application, save it, and finish later if you get pressed for time. If you’re concerned about the cost associated with receiving multiple insurance quotes don’t be. By applying online you can get multiple free car insurance quotes from one application. You’re also never under any obligation to accept any insurance quote provided – even if it saves you money.

As far as the drawbacks to purchasing auto insurance online there aren’t many. Obviously you’ll have to have access to a computer with an Internet connection and around 30 minutes of free time depending on the number of free insurance quotes you wish to receive. Keep in mind before accepting any quote that you could qualify for a bigger discount from your current auto insurance provider if you carry multiple insurance policies with them. For instance a combination of car, home and life insurance may cost less as a group when compared to purchasing individually.

It’s only natural to have concerns with the privacy of the information the insurance company requires you to fill out on their quick quote provider form. However rest assured that any information you provide is kept secure with encryption technology and will not be released to anyone else to include other insurance providers unless you agree to allow it. You can also feel comfortable in knowing that your credit score won’t be affected by applying for free auto insurance quotes online.

After you’ve found a quote that you like purchasing auto insurance online allows you to either accept the quote right then and there or you can opt to receive the rate provided in the mail. Either way you’re guaranteed to save money. A word of caution, make sure the information you provide on the insurance application is correct. Even the smallest errors can adversely affect the money saving rate that is provided.

Probably the most difficult choice will be which online auto insurance provider to choose from in order to receive your free quotes. Look for a company that has excellent customer service reviews and offers a simple application process that provides multiple money saving quotes. Finally don’t forget to check and make sure that they can actually provide an insurance quote for the state you currently reside in

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How Is Your Auto Insurance Policy Price Determined?

The average auto insurance policy price is derived from a variety of factors. Many of these variables are common knowledge and make sense for the most part but it’s always a good idea to refresh yourself with what insurance companies are looking for when determining how much your coverage will cost.

Driving Record – Your auto insurance policy price is determined from 6 major areas. The first is your driving record. The key thing to remember is the better your driving record the lower your total cost to insure your automobile. This would include auto accidents, speeding tickets and believe it or not if you’ve gone without insurance for several years. The good thing is that you can directly control many of these factors. Concentrate on keeping a clean driving record and this area shouldn’t cause your rates to be outrageous.

Coverage Amount – Do a self check sometime and call your insurance company up to see what impact raising and lowering your deductibles and coverage amount has on the price of your insurance. Raising a deductible lowers your monthly payment. Increasing the deductible has the opposite effect. The same goes for the actual coverage amounts.

Age – Case studious have proven that younger drivers are involved in more accidents then older drivers. This potential to be involved in a collision is a result of inexperience behind the wheel of an automobile. Generally speaking most insurance companies charge more for individuals under the age of 25.

Vehicle Model and Driving Mileage – If your interested in that fancy new sports car you may want to check how much it will effect your auto insurance policy price. Thanks in large part to theft, vehicular costs and safety records some cars rate a higher premium over other vehicles. As if it wasn’t bad enough the amount of annual miles you place on your vehicle through driving can increase your auto policy. The average used is 10,000 miles in a year. If you exceed that total then you can expect a rate increase based on your increased potential to be involved in an auto accident.

Your Residence – It’s a pretty safe bet that you’ll pay more for your auto insurance policy if you live in a big city when compared to a nice farm out in the country. The city probably has more thefts and accidents, which lead to higher costs absorbed by the insurance company and then passed along to the consumer when the insurance companies determine your auto insurance policy price.

Hopefully this information can help you focus in on some areas within your auto policy that you can review with your insurance agent in the hopes of actually lowering your auto insurance rates instead of raising them.c

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Free Money Saving Auto Insurance Tips

Our money saving auto insurance tips were written for one reason - To Save You Money on your next auto insurance policy. Since in most states you are required by law to purchase a minimum amount of liability coverage we've looked for ways to save you money. Additionally many people want more than just the bare minimum in order to provide themselves with adequate protection.

The top two biggest money saving auto insurance tips are to first shop around. There are numerous providers of insurance and generally speaking you can save a great deal of money on your policy if you take the time to find the right provider.

The second biggest tip to lower your rates is to simply raise your deductable. In some cases you can reduce your annual premium by 10 percent or more if you increase your deductible by a few hundred dollars. USE CAUTION HERE: You want to make sure you can actually afford the amount that you raise your deductible to or you're no better off then before.

Additional tips include eliminating certain types of coverage from your current policy and reducing the amount of coverage you currently have. Generally this is up to each individual based on thier needs, wants and desires. You may want to consult an insurance agent before making any drastic changes to your current policy.

Other factors raising the cost of your policy include the amount of mileage you drive annually and the type of vehicle you own and operate.

Did you also know that where you live can determine rates and keeping your car in a garage can lower your rates. Cars parked in garages are less likely to be stolen, vandalized, or struck by other vehicles. Using a garage to store your car may entitle you to a slight premium reduction.

If you have multiple cars and drivers then you could qualify for a multifamily discount. Sometimes your children's insurance premium can be lowered based on their school grade point average.

Other discounts may be available if you meet certain criteria. Examples may include discounts for taking a defensive driving course, being a AAA member or staying with the same auto insurance company for a number of years. These discounts vary by company.

Finally try using an anti-theft device. This helps to reduce your insurance cost.

Thanks for taking the time to read our money saving auto insurance tips. We hope our free tips and save you some of your hard earned cash.

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Car Insurance No Claims Bonus Explained

No Claims Bonus is a term used to describe the number of years you have had Car Insurance without making a claim. Put simply, if you have had Car Insurance for 4 years and you have not made a claim in that time, then you have 4 years No Claims Bonus. No Claim Bonus is probably the single biggest factor affecting the cost of your Car Insurance premium. Every year that goes by without you making a claim is another year of No Claims Bonus.

Generally speaking, the more No Claims Bonus years you have, the cheaper your premium will be for the car you need to insure. This is because Car Insurance companies can see that your history regarding making any accident claim is a good one.

When changing provider, Car Insurance companies will usually ask you to prove your No Claims Bonus in the form of a renewal notice or a letter from your current Car Insurance company. If you have several years of No Claims Bonus but then make a claim, the Car Insurance company will usually apply it's rules of how much to knock back your No Claims Bonus Years.

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Young Driver Car Insurance

It has become increasingly difficult to get young driver car insurance in the UK. The reason behind this is because the statistics for young drivers having a car accident are not very good. By definition, young drivers have very little experience of driving and thus have a greater chance of having a bump in their vehicle. Car insurance companies are obviously in business to make money and are understandably reluctant to insure such drivers. In most cases, companies will either offer a policy at a very high premium or refuse to insure the person altogether.

However, there are ways to lower your premium. First of all you should purchase a car that has a low insurance group number. Insurance group numbers range from 1 - 20. Generally speaking the higher the number the higher your premium is likely to be. This is because cars with high insurance group numbers usually have bigger engines, are more expensive and go faster. A low insurance group vehicle will lower the premium for a young driver policy. Young drivers should also be encouraged to take an advanced driving test. Some companies look favourably on drivers who take this test as they are seen as more responsible and more careful about their driving. Finally, opting for third party fire and theft or third party only cover also lowers your quote. If you have purchased a vehicle that does not cost very much money then you should seriously consider whether or not you need a fully comprehensive policy.

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15 Ways To Lower Your Car Insurance

1.Shop around

The difference in price between various companies can be significant. What one company may consider a high risk factor another company may not view as so important. Insurance companies arrive at a price for your Car Insurance

by adding or discounting money after each answer you give to the questions they ask you. Each company has its own rules as to what they consider should increase or decrease your premium. By shopping around you get a better list of prices to compare.

2.Buy a lower group car

One of the important factors that insurance companies take into account is of course your vehicle. There are thousands of different cars on the road so companies divide them up into groups. Most companies will adopt the ABI (Association of British Insurers) group rating. This splits up vehicles into 20 different groups. Generally speaking the higher the group rating for your vehicle, the higher your premium will be. Some companies may also combine your driving experience with the vehicle group to get a better idea of how high the risk is. This is one of the reasons why young drivers should consider buying a lower group car if they want to lower their insurance cost.

3.Consider Third Party Only cover

A Third Party Only insurance policy is the minimum amount of cover legally required - it is also the cheapest. Generally speaking you should consider opting for this type of policy if your vehicle is of low value. In the unfortunate event of having an accident, any damage to a third party vehicle will be covered but any damage to your vehicle is not. However, if your vehicle is of little value then you may not be too concerned. It may not be worth paying extra for a Fully Comprehensive policy in these circumstances.

4.Maintain a good credit rating

More and more insurance companies are adopting credit scoring techniques as part of the overall calculation of your car insurance premium. By keeping a good credit history you may avoid any additional premium that companies add to your price for having a bad credit score.

5.Buy on the web

Many insurance providers now offer some good discounts for buying the policy over the internet. The theory is that by purchasing your insurance over the web, you are saving the company money by not requiring telesales agent time and incurring free-phone costs. This saving is passed on to you in the form of a discount for buying online. If you have got prices by telephone then check your quote again on their website, you may be surprised at how much cheaper it is.

6.Have a higher voluntary excess

During the quotation process you will be asked how much voluntary excess you want to have. Insurance companies will generally include a compulsory excess amount on the policy but give you the opportunity to increase this if you wish. The more the voluntary excess the lower your premium should be. However, in the event of a claim, you will have to pay a higher amount yourself, up to the total amount of excess on your policy.

7.Reduce your annual mileage

How many miles you do a year is a common question that can affect your car insurance premium. The more miles you do the more your premium is likely to be. Quotation systems and telephone agents will often suggest an amount of miles for you. Try and work out how many miles you will genuinely do. It may be less than the amount suggested. Of course, you should always give an honest answer to this and other questions.

8.Keep a clean driving record

This may be easier said than done. However, by having few or preferably no driving convictions, you can avoid being penalised by increases in your car insurance premium. Getting caught with a speeding fine is often not the only financial penalty you incur. Insurance companies take very seriously all driving convictions and it is usually an important part of their rating process. You can expect an increase in the cost of your insurance if you do get caught with a driving conviction, so it pays to be a safe driver.

9.Keep claim free

This ties in neatly with number 8 above. The biggest factor affecting the cost of your car insurance premium is how many No Claims Bonus Years you have. Full No Claims Bonus is generally considered by most companies to be five years or more, this can give you huge discounts, in some cases up to 75%. By being a safe driver and avoiding potential road accident claims, you can continually benefit by building up your number of claim free years. Every additional No Claims Bonus year you get, the lower your car insurance cost should be. Some companies give you the option of paying a bit more on your premium to protect your No Claims Bonus.

10.Be realistic about the value of your car

Most of us have an inflated view as to what our car is worth. When asked the value of your vehicle during the insurance quotation process, people will often state an amount that is unrealistic and above the real value of the car. People do this as they believe that this is what they will get back from the insurance company in the event of a claim. The reality is that the company will only pay out what the car is worth at the time of the claim and not what you stated for the quote. In fact, by giving a high and unrealistic value, you can increase your car insurance premium as this is often a factor affecting your final price.

11.Remove unnecessary named drivers

Additional drivers on your policy usually mean a higher premium. A lot of people add a number of extra drivers on the policy just in case that person needs to drive the car. However, having all these drivers will push up the cost. By only naming drivers on the policy that will definitely driver the car, you can lower the final cost. If you find that an unnamed driver needs to drive the vehicle then most companies will allow you to temporarily add a new named driver for a small cost.

12.Improve your car security

Theft of and from your vehicle are important considerations when insurance companies calculate your price. Most companies will give you a discount for having better security of your vehicle. An alarm and immobiliser will usually attract a small discount whilst having a tracker device installed may give you a larger reduction. Some companies may insist on having such devices installed on more expensive and desirable cars before they even consider offering you a price.

13.Take an advanced driving test

Although not compulsory, taking an advanced driving test can not only improve your driving skills but also help to lower your car insurance premium. Some companies look favourably on people who have taken the advanced test as it shows commitment to safe driving thus lowering the chance of having a motoring accident.

14.Pay your premium in one go

By paying for your car insurance all in one go, you can avoid paying additional interest charges that would be added on if you opted to pay by instalments. The interest charges can be quite significant, so if your finances allow, you can save a good amount of money by paying for the whole lot up front. In some cases, companies may even give you a small discount for doing this.

15.Get married

Okay so this may seem like a dramatic final way to lower your premium. However, a number of insurance companies offer lower premiums when your named drivers are insured and spouse as opposed to two unmarried drivers. Some companies believe that this shows an element of stability which is a hallmark of safer drivers and give you a discount on this basis.

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I Was In An Accident, Will My Car Insurance Rates Go Up?

You were on the phone, got distracted and before you knew it traffic had stopped, giving you no room to stop and you rear end the girl in front of you. Or, let's say you're driving along and a deer jumps out and rams into the side of your door.

Now, let's say you need to file and claim and get your car fixed. But, are your rates going to go up?

In the first case, more than likely they will depending on how much your insurance company pays out to fix both cars and medical bills if anyone was injured.

But, in the second example, since this will be a comprehensive claim your rates should not see an increase at your renewal. Unless you have a long history of hitting deer then the people from PETA will be out to get you. Or if you file a lot of small glass damage claims then your rates could be affected or you may have to pay a higher deductible for comprehensive in which case small glass damage will be less than your deductible and you will pay out of pocket.

Part 2: How long does an accident stay on my record?

Ok, so back to the example where you rear ended someone. We have already established that you are going to see your insurance rates go up. Now, we need to find out how long and how much will they go up.

State insurance boards usually allow insurance companies to charge for a accident for 3 years from the day they started charging for it. Not from the time you got into the accident. You got in the accident in December and your policy runs from October to April. Your rates won't be affected until April of the next year and the surcharge will drop off 3 years from that April.

How much will your rates go up? Are they trying to get back the money they paid out for my claim? You can usually expect a rate increase of between 20-40% on average per six months. They could go up even more if you lose some discounts you were getting, such as a claim free discount.

The increase is not a recoupment of the monies paid out by your insurance company. It is designed to charge you a premium based on the risk, or chance, that you will get into another accident in the next 3 years. You are a higher risk to the insurance company and they are able to charge you for the higher risk you present to them.

If it was based on how much the insurance company paid out then you wouldn't be able to afford it if you totaled out your 2004 Nissan Maxima at $25,000 and you had to pay that back within the 3 year surcharge period. Makes sense? Good, now get off the cell phone!

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How Do I Lower My Auto Insurance Rates?

Since there are many factors that go into determining your auto insurance rates, there are many chances to lower your rates.

If you change jobs and your drive to work changes or you stop working or you work from home, you should contact your insurance company.

If you have a teen driver and they go to school over 100 miles away without a car then you should be able to get a discount.

If you get married and are in your teens or twenties call your insurance company and see about combining your policies.

Take defensive driving if your state allows it for a discount.

See if increasing your comprehsive and collision deductibles will save you a lot of money. You need to compare what you're saving and how much more you will have to pay if you file a claim. For example, if you go from $500 to a $1000 deductible and it lowers your insurance $50 per 6 months then it saves you $100 a year.

It will take you 5 years to break even from what you are saving compared to how much more you have to pay.

Now, if it saves you $250 every six months then it would be more worth your while.

See if combining your auto and home insurance polices will qualify for a multi policy discount with your current company. This could be a substantial discount.

One of the biggest ways you could save $200-$500 or more a year is shopping around for insurance. The auto insurance industry is very competitive and this is great news for smart consumers like yourself. Shop for auto insurance quotes here and see how much you can save

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New Car Registrations and Car Insurance

In September 2001 the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) introduced a new number plate registration system that was designed to last for 49 years. The new change was welcomed not only by the car dealers but also by the car insurance industry as the DVLA also decided to issue new car registrations twice a year instead of once a year.

In the past, new registrations were issued on 1st August every year. Inevitably this caused a major headache for insurance companies as so many people required insurance at this time. This once a year rush for insurance was compounded by the summer timing when most people, including insurance company employees, go on holiday. Today, the new registrations are issued in March and September. This eases the workload for insurance companies and allows them to more easily staff up for the increase in calls.

Of course, the old system ran for about 38 years and so there is still a large population of people who require insurance renewal on 1st August. So around July, August and September, Insurance companies are still especially busy and you can generally expect long call centre waits with a lot of direct companies.

Using the internet instead is a much easier and quicker way of getting your new car insurance quote. Accept Direct have a very fast online quote system which cuts out the need of waiting for a call centre person to answer. The Accept Direct website is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and along with its sister online claims website will deliver you a competitive quote in minutes.

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The Car Insurance Calculation Explained

Different companies will apply different factors to the way they finally arrive at a price for your Car Insurance. Generally speaking though the concept is the same. This involves collecting various bits of information from you and feeding it through a computer system which adds or takes away money depending on the answers you give.

The value put on these answers is decided by the individual Car Insurance company.

For example, some Car Insurance companies may believe that having a speeding conviction increases your chance of having a personal injury accident in the future - therefore they may add money to your price if you have such a conviction.

Similarly, some Car Insurance companies may decide that because you have a lot of No Claims Bonus Years then you are less likely to claim - therefore they may discount your price. All in all there are around 30 different factors that may affect your final premium. Now you can see why you get such a difference in the price of your Car Insurance by going to various companies. Each company will have it's own view of what they believe should be assigned to each answer you give. The Car Insurance quote you get through the Accept Direct website will look at lots of different Car Insurance prices from lots of companies.

That way you can get the best possible price for your profile.

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How To Negotiate A Settlement With An Insurance Claims Adjuster

You and I. M. Strong, the adjuster from Granite Mountain Insurance, are sitting at your kitchen table in an attempt to settle your motor vehicle accident claim.

Strong is all wound up and on the offensive, rambling on and on about how your injuries weren't serious. His typical pitch usually goes something like, "Look, I've been at this a long time. I've talked to people like you, day in and day out, for over twenty years. People who've gone through exactly what happened to you, with the same sort of claim as yours. Sure, you had a period of discomfort but your so-called injuries were routine. Believe me when I tell you they aren't worth much."

You’re stunned. You can't believe what Strong is trying to pull. You say, "I’ve been miserable! There was no way I could get back to work because of the pain in my neck and back."

Strong shift's in his seat and a victorious look (one that says he knows it all) begins to march across his face. At that point he predictably states, "Look, I can tell you, after handling thousands of cases like yours, that the discomfort you may have had, for a couple of days at the most, are relatively minor. They don’t even come close to justifying the three week’s of work you lost and the disability you and your doctor are claiming".

Now you're thunderstruck! He smiles to himself and comes at you from another angle, "I've seen thousands of cases like yours and I've had more than my share of exposure to personal injury claims, examinations, doctor-talk and recovery - - the whole nine yards. I've seen physical trauma at its slightest and its worst. Any judge or jury would know, once they heard about your so-called ‘injuries’ that your physical problems were almost non-existent".

He'll take a minute to let that sink in and then he'll attempt to sway you even more by telling you he can prove your time lost from work was not compatible with the injury involved. He'll hint around about some "independent information" he's supposedly gathered from your neighbors and/or business associates, which indicate you’ve been involved in "very active" physical activities since the accident.

Once he lets that one sink in he'll ramble on about the "independent examination" the doctor hired by Granite Mountain executed, telling you, with outrageous confidence, that his doctors Medical Report states there was little, if anything, wrong with you. Then he’ll surely try this one on for size: “My doctor is a professional .The only people he ever sees are those who’ve been in motor vehicle accidents. That’s what he does all day long, check out personal injury claims like yours. His report clearly states your physical problems were almost non-existent”.

He hums a happy tune to himself as he observes the amazement marching across your face and that drum beat he’s heard so very often begins to pound away within the gray matter between his ears: Boom/Boom/Boom, declaring, “I gotcha!, I gotcha!, I gotcha!, I gotcha!”

If you let Strong get away with that than his attempt at downgrading your disability will have been successful. As a way of "proving" what happened to you wasn’t serious he’ll describe your “so-called injuries” with fancy medical language and then compare them to the more extreme types of personal injury problems or conditions he's dealt with in the past. The implication being yours were obviously minor and have little, if any, value.

At that point he'll read the statements and opinions in your own attending physicians Medical Report in such a way which, if not read properly, he'll insist proves, “You may have been a little sore from a slight injury but it clearly states you certainly didn't have any serious physical problems“. (You can bet every dollar in your wallet that he’s made that statement several thousand times)!

You're quickly discovering that neither Adjuster I. M. Strong nor his supervisors at Granite Mountain Insurance are going to be fair. They're out to take advantage of you. That’s the name of their game and that’s what they get paid to do. Question: Is that really true? Answer: Yes, it’s really true. Take it from Dan, I was on that firing line for 30 years!

From that point on you shut down. You be the listener. Let him babble on. When he's finally done, you say, "Your points about my injuries are very interesting. I'd like to discuss them in detail with my doctor“. Pause and then add, “We'll call this off for now while I go back and consult with him."

Before he answers you should get up, smile, point towards the kitchen door and bid him "Goodbye". If he balks, sneak a peek at your watch, tell him you're late for another appointment and insist your meeting is over. He'll have no choice but to leave.

If you do that here's what you'll have accomplished:

(1) You'll have seized the bargaining "momentum" and control from the adjuster and, if you remain adamant he'll never get them back.

(2) Served notice on him that it's you, not he, who will now call the shots in the negotiation "Power Game" he's been playing.

(3) Impressed the adjuster that the settlement will be done on your terms, not his.

You may ask: Okay, I threw the adjuster out and let him politely but surely know I’m not going to buy into his nonsense. So, when this all gets played out, what have I accomplished?

The answer is: I. M. Strong is aware you‘ve not bought into his pitch and in his secret heart he perceives that reality. For those in the home office (so as to know exactly where they stand) his instructions have always been that everything that passed between the two of you is placed into the report’s he continues to send in, regarding the settlement talk’s he’s been having with you. So, the fact that you’re not buying his story, will go into your file to be read by that adjusters superiors.

Once they do they’ll have no choice but to conclude that you’re no pushover!

You’re going to stick to your guns because you’re right and the Medical Report your attending physician executed for Adjuster Smart is legit. You know that both your “pain and suffering” and the length of recovery from your injuries, has been clearly stated.

Smart has correctly assumed that you’re not accepting his usual pitch, filled with mumbo-jumbo nonsense, yet so often works. It’s beginning to dawn on him if he doesn’t change his tactics you’re going to hand you case over to an attorney and his superiors at Granite Mountain won’t be dancing for joy should that come to pass.

Wait five or six weeks then call Smart and ask him to come back to talk some more. I flat out guarantee you the next time you meet the power will have shifted into your corner and you'll never again hear him attempt to minimize your injuries. That often comes to pass because he’s received this typical six word, one line memo, from his supervisor at the home office, “Settle this one and move on”.

Granite Mountain will have reached the point where they’re satisfied to pay and get rid of you. Why? Because personal injury claims continue to pile up and clog their incoming pipeline. They’ve got a lot of other unsuspecting prey to trap and shoot and it’s clear you're an individual who’s too wise, too tough and too difficult for them to fuss with any longer.

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Accident Factoids

Accidents, personal injuries and insurance claims are here to stay. No matter how far into the 21st Century American’s elect to drive (unless by the beginning of the 22nd Century we’re all zipping around in our own personal space ship) motor vehicle accidents will continue to pile up; with no end in sight!

• There are more than 200,000,000 licensed drivers in the United States. (As of 2003 we’re close to a yearly 7 million motor vehicle accidents, involving well over 3.5 million injuries).
• Car accident crashes cost society an estimated $4,900 per second. That’s about $25,000 in the time it took to read this fact.
• Current records show that most American driver’s will have a near motor vehicle accident 1 to 3 times per month and will be in a collision of some type on the average of every 5 to 8 years plus these records also indicate that licensed teenagers are 22 more times likely to get a speeding ticket than those who are 65 years of age or older.
• In 1896 there were only four cars registered in all the United States. Two of them collided with each other in St. Louis.
• By the year 2025 there will be 33 million people 70 years or older in America. This segment of the population will be growing 2.5 as fast as the total population. They will make up the largest percentage of the “turning left” and “rear end” accidents. Slowly but surely Senior Citizens have developed a higher accident ratio than teenagers. (This will, in time, seriously impact the typical Senior Citizen’s pocketbook). And also, by 2025, the total costs for motor vehicle accidents in the United States will exceed 450 billion dollars.
• The world’s most solitary tree is located at an oasis in the Tenere Desert in Central Africa. There’s not one other standing tree within 31 miles. In 1960, it was smashed into by a truck.
• Up-to-date statistics clearly reflect that 1 out of every 5 Americans are involved in an alcohol-related car crash at some time in their lives and the day in which motor vehicle accident injuries occur most often is Saturday. Sunday is second.

FIVE CRUCIAL MEDICAL DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAVE SLOWLY BUT SURELY COME TO PASS. THESE WILL SERIOUSLY (AND FOREVER) IMPACT THE VALUE OF PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS IN THE YEARS TO COME:

1. Records prove that a motor vehicle accident of as little speed as 5 MPH can produce a “whiplash-type” injury.
2. The symptoms arising from an injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident do not necessarily present themselves immediately following an accident.
3. Medical research and clinical experience have accumulated enough information to demonstrate that the delay of an injury symptom is the norm.
4. Studies have established that the delay of a symptom does not eliminate the possibility of severe injury.
5. It’s been proven that individuals can continue to be symptomatic for many months (even years!) after a motor vehicle accident. In addition approximately 75% of them remain symptomatic for a minimum of 6 months after the accident. (And current up-to-date statistics reveal that between the first and second year after an accident has occurred over 20% of those injured actually have their symptoms worsen).

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Insurance Claim: Collecting Your Lost Wages

A couple months ago you were toolin' on down the avenue, minding your own business, when out of nowhere, this fumbling, stumbling man by the name of Freddie Fuddle flew through a Stop Sign and plowed into you with a gigantic, rip-roaring, screeching broadside. You were wearing your seat belt but it was still a thundering crash that wrenched and whipped you around the inside of your motor vehicle something fierce!

Now, after a long recovery period, Fuddle’s carrier, Granite Mountain Insurance is clamoring to close the case and they've assigned Claims Adjuster I. M. Strong, to handle your case. You and Strong are sitting at your kitchen table talking about your settlement dollars. It turns out he’s got some hang-up’s regarding your lost income. Well, here are some things you need to know:

Lost wages are one of the most important element's of your damages. Listen to me carefully when I say, "You should not think about the days you missed from work as Lost Time and Earnings. It's not Lost Time and Earnings - - it’s Lost Earning Capacity“

You ask, “What‘s Lost Earning Capacity all about? I thought I could only collect for my Lost Income?” The answer to that is, “In many situations you can claim lost income EVEN IF YOU HAVEN'T LOST ONE SINGLE PENNY “. For example, this can happen when your salary is paid because you've elected to apply for the sick leave that‘s due you, or because of an Accident and Health Policy available for you to take advantage of, or some other such arrangement.

In most instances - - even if you were paid while out of work - - you should still get that money routinely identified as Lost Wages. Why? Because that's your Lost Earning Capacity. Your Lost Earning Capacity is what’s called a Compensatory Damage. Don't let Strong swindle you out of that Compensatory Damage. Even if you’ve received an income, in some other way, you're still entitled to it. Strong will do everything he can to take advantage of you, especially when it comes to getting paid for your Lost Earning Capacity. During the course of every settlement negotiation he gets involved in, he‘ll try that tactic on for size, and it’s mind-boggling how often he gets away with it.

The typical statement made at that point, by the unsuspecting claimant is, “Hey, I understand I’m to be paid for my lost wages.”

Strong answers, “You collected $200.00 a week from your Accident and Health Policy didn’t you?”

“Yeah, but my average weekly income last year was $275.00 a week.”

“Okay”, I. M. Strong flashes a well practiced, winning smile, that tells you he’s a fair insurance claim adjuster, when in his black heart, he knows he isn‘t, “We’ll pay you that $75.00 a week difference. Let’s see, you were laid up and unable to work for 5 weeks. 5 times $75.00 is $375.00. Don’t worry my friend, I’ll see to it you’re paid that $375.00.”

“Wow!” you think, “that’s terrific !.” You’re thrilled to death with this great turn of events.But what you don’t know is that the $200.00 a week you’ve received from your Accident and Health Policy has absolutely nothing to do with your lost income.The bottom line is that Smart has just cheated you out of a thousand dollars! And, worse than that, the $275.00 a week income you lost (for a total of $1,375.00) would have (in a court of law) given your case $4,000.00 to $5,000.00 more value in settlement dollars.

DOCUMENTING LOST INCOME: Ask the company you work for to write a letter on their official stationary declaring your gross salary income and the days you lost from work.

GROSS PAY VS. NET PAY: You should collect the "gross" wage's you lost, not the "net".

TOTAL DISABILITY and/or PARTIAL DISABILITY: For every week of Total Disability (a fact which must be stated in your doctors Final Medical Report) you should use your gross weekly income - - even if you were paid! (For every week of Partial Disability your doctor states in that Final Medical Report, you have the right to claim a substantial percentage of your income, during that period, even if you didn't lose any).

Because the following five points give value to your claim be ready to talk with Smart about and, wherever possible, prove:

(1) If your work demands heavy labor and/or lifting. (2) If you lost any vacation time or sick leave. (3) If there was any possible loss of money you could have earned in the future - - either with your company or maybe other income you've got bubbling and boiling on the side. (4) If you had to forgo any bonuses. (5) If you lost an opportunity that would have led to a better job.

If any of the above five points are true than your claim is worth more money!

THE CRUCIAL MEDICAL REPORT: The Granite Mountain Insurance Company and Adjuster I. M. Strong know that the longer your recovery period, the greater your "pain and suffering", therefore the higher the settlement value of your bodily injury claim. Your Chiropractor or Attending Physician must also note this in his Final Medical Report. Tell him to state exactly how long it will be, before you can get back to routine activities like golf, hunting, fishing and/or rockin' and rollin' with your lady friends.

As long as you have problems keep right on going back to see your doctor, again and again, even if it drives the poor bugger nuts! Do this because the fact that your records show a visit to him, four, eight, or twelve weeks after the accident, proves your injury needed constant attention, therefore you were unable to work. Also because, when you visit your doctor and tell him there's no let-up of your pain, discomfort, stiffness or immobility - - those continuing problems must be written into the Medical Report he'll provide for you when you've finished treatment. That's the one you'll hand to Adjuster Smart when the two of you begin to talk turkey. As he reads it you’ll watch him frown, then blanch as that cocky smile disappears from his face. When you see him do that you‘ll know, "ya got him"!

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Six Crucial Insurance Claim Possibilities

There are DOZENS of insurance claim possibilities which will increase the dollars awarded you in the settlement of your personal injury insurance claim. Some of them rarely see the light of day but some do. The six I’ve listed below are crucial for you to be aware of as you prepare to go to war with Adjuster Henry Hard-Nose regarding the value of your loss. They are:

(1) EMOTIONAL REACTIONS TO YOUR INJURY: When it comes to placing a dollar value on the “Emotional Reaction” of an injury one enters into an area where most individuals, even experienced claims adjuster’s and Legal Beagles, are at a loss.

Four often ignored “Characteristic Symptoms” can be: Confusion, Anxiety, Depression and Denial. (“Denial”, that is, regarding the seriousness of your injury and the constant pain you feel. This usually comes to pass when one refuses to complain anything is seriously wrong, convincing themselves it will work itself out).

If any of the above “Emotional Reactions” (which are a direct result of “Characteristic Symptoms“) becomes a reality it would be wise for you to see a shrink. Maybe you won’t immediately identify this as something you need to have checked out but the person you climb into bed with probably will. When she tells you you‘re not functioning (between your ears) all that well, listen up! If that’s what you’re told you should swallow hard and obtain an expert’s opinion. You may consider yourself a muscular "Power To Be Reckoned With" but you’re not Superman so, talk to a specialist, explain what’s happening, and let it all hang out.

Once you’ve been discharged, get that specialist’s written Medical Report and hand it to Hard-Nose, along with the medical bills for your treatment. Is that legit? The answer is absolutely, yes! Can he refuse to accept them and suggest they add no value to your claim? The answer is absolutely, no!

(2) EMOTIONAL DISTRESS: Emotional distress is legitimate "Pain and Suffering" and you should be compensated for it. For example, problems that may develop over the effects of an accident within the area of your work or business, or perhaps interfere with your sex life! Whatever it is that’s causing you problems you should see a specialist. Keep going back to see him for as long as it takes to return to normal. At the end of his treatment, when he's finally discharged you, ask for and obtain his written report. Present that to Adjuster Henry Hard-Nose along with the specialist’s bill for their services.

This is a legitimate expense and it positively gives your personal injury more value !

(3) SECURING COMPENSATION FOR LIFE DISRUPTIONS: If your injuries caused you to miss some special training you had arranged to take advantage of, you'll probably, at some point, want to make that time up. The difficulty you may experience in making up that missed time (or perhaps never again being able to obtain it) has the potential to increase the value of your settlement. To achieve this you must obtain written proof and present it to Adjuster Hard-Nose.

Also to be taken into consideration is a vacation you may have been unable to take, or some recreational event’s in which you could not participate in and/or a missed special event, like a wedding or a reunion, etc. All of these, properly documented, add value to your claim because they are specific examples of the inconvenience and discomfort you've endured as a direct result of your injury.

(4) YOUR AGE: In the evaluation of an individuals "Pain and Suffering", age is always a factor because the older you are the longer the periods of Total or Partial Disability will be. This will affect the course of treatment plus the length of time of the "pain killers" you’ve been ordered to take. For example: Over age 50 disability is about 10% to 15% longer, over age 60 disability is about 20% to 30% longer, over 70 disability can be 35% to 45% longer and over 75 disability can often be 50% and longer.

(5) PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL PROBLEMS: Also pre-existing conditions are factor’s that must be considered: For example: Arthritis, Sugar Diabetes, Pervious Injuries and/or Previous Operations that have left you with on-going problems, etc.

Whatever that pre-existing situation may be you should look to your attending physician for advice. Don't avoid discussing this with him. If any doubt exists you should insist your doctor refer you to a specialist for consultation. If your physician is legit he'll agree. If he doesn't than kiss that goodie-two-shoes "goodbye" and go dig up a specialist on your own. It's your body and there's only one to a customer!

(6) ONE THING YOU SHOULD NEVER FORGET IS THAT THE VISIBLE DAMAGES TO YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE CAN VERY OFTEN PROFOUNDLY AFFECT THE AMOUNT OF MONEY YOU'RE EVENTUALLY PAID.

If your vehicle was badly smashed, that goes a long way proving that your injuries were sever and therefore painful. You must snap photographs of your motor vehicle. Shoot a couple rolls of colored and also black and white (black and white because in some instances colored photographs cannot be entered as evidence in a court of law).Take them from different angles and various distances. Like for example, 30 feet away, then 15, then right up close.

Make two sets. One for you and one for Hard-Nose. Blow them up into 8X10 glossies and present them to him. Both the size of your repair bill and those photographs will go a long way towards proving two important points: First, that you know what you're doing and second, that the injuries you received from that god-awful impact (and the long period of pain, suffering and discomfort you‘ve had to deal with) - - if and when viewed by a judge or jury - - are proof positive of what your injury caused your body to endure.

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What Is Meant By Automobile Insurance Standard Coverage?

Automobile insurance standard coverage is the basic amount of insurance coverage that is required by law in order for an individual to legally operate a motorized vehicle. You can simply it even further with the blanket statement as being the mandatory amount of auto insurance coverage a driver must possess.
The most important part of anyone’s car insurance policy is the liability coverage. This coverage protects the consumer against the cost of damages and injury that is a direct result of that same consumer if they are the cause of a vehicular accident. For instance if you’re driving down the road and accidentally run into another person’s car this insurance coverage will pay for the damages that result due to the accident.
The liability coverage is further broken down into two subsections. The first is bodily injury liability. This covers and personal injury inflicted by yourself upon others during a car accident. The second subsection is property damage liability. As you may have guessed this is your insurance protection against any damage you cause to another individuals property, usually their car.
Although coverage amounts can vary it is generally suggested that a good baseline of automobile insurance standard coverage should be 100/300/100. This can be read as $100,000 worth of bodily injury caused to another person, $300,000 towards bodily injuries for everyone involved and $100,000 for property damage. With rising medical costs and outrageous car prices this would be the absolute minimum insurance protection I would personally carry in my automobile insurance standard coverage. However, each state is different and you will need to check to see what their car insurance laws constitute as a minimum coverage amount.
If you are in a financial crunch and need a way to save money on your insurance policy try to avoid retaining only the minimum amount of coverage required by your state. Instead try raising your deductible amount (the amount you pay first in the event of an accident before your insurance company kicks in with its payment). You will find that by raising the amount $500 or $750 will significantly lower the monthly costs of your automobile insurance standard coverage.
Two other policies that exist include the medical payments insurance which provides for the immediate treatment of injuries sustained during an auto accident. Anyone riding in your vehicle to include yourself is covered, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. The second policy is commonly known as PIP or personal injury protection, is similar to medical payments coverage, but usually provides broader coverage. Many PIP policies provide compensation for lost wages, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering. Again you will need to check with your state insurance laws for further clarification if you are required to have this additional coverage.
Finally as a safety measure against law breaking individuals who illegally drive without insurance there is uninsured motorist insurance when the other driver has no liability coverage and underinsured motorist coverage which pays for the cost of your injuries that exceed the other driver's coverage maximum. As before with the PIP coverage you will need to make sure whether or not your particular state requires these forms of coverage as part of their automobile insurance standard coverage.

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Will Online Automobile Insurance Quotes Really Save Me Money?

If you’re looking to save money on your auto insurance then online automobile insurance quotes are definitely something you want to look into. But there are more benefits to shopping online besides saving money. Receiving you car insurance quote online is fast, extremely easy, and exceptionally convenient. Generally speaking the quotes you qualify for are generated within minutes and usually there are multiple quotes allowing you the opportunity to compare numerous insurance providers, allowing you to choose the best overall insurance offer.
In my opinion the best feature is not having to deal with an insurance salesman and having the luxury of comparison shopping in the privacy of your own home while wearing your favorite pajamas. There are no time limitations meaning you can start your application, save it, and finish later at anytime, day or night. The number one reason people over pay on their insurance is because of failure to shop around. Online automobile insurance quotes prevent that from happening.
Truthfully there are very little, if any drawbacks to shopping online for all of your insurance needs. It’s very easy to do, convenient and your insurance quotes are provided free of charge. Best of all you’re never under any obligation to accept any quote that is provided.
The process to receive multiple free online automobile insurance quotes begins when a consumer fills out a form. The information you provide is always kept confidential with encrypted software and it will not affect your current credit score. The only concern that may be raised is if you already have some other form of insurance (such as home or life insurance) from a provider then it’s possible that you could receive a better discount from that provider due to having multiple insurance policies with them.
As I stated before the process to obtain online automobile insurance quotes is very simple and you will either be given instant free car insurance quote, or you'll be contacted via email with several offers. After finding a policy that matches your needs and budget you have the option to purchase the insurance online or via mail. Just remember you are never under any obligation to accept any online auto insurance policy that is offered to you.
One word of caution, you must make sure you enter correct information when filling out an online application for car insurance. Any false information or errors on your part could adversely affect the online automobile insurance quotes.
Hopefully this information convinces you that shopping online for all of your insurance needs to include auto insurance is safe, easy and very convenient. Best of all the potential to save hundreds of dollars on your insurance policy is a real possibility.

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Outside Pressures On The Typical Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters are not without outside pressures they must deal with every day of their work life. It would be advantageous for all readers to be aware of the most important of these because they could put money in your bank.
The first of these is your State Department Of Insurance. Every state has a Department, or Commissioner, or Bureau of Insurance that overseas the antics of all Insurance Claims Adjusters and their superiors in that particular state. Each has a Consumer Complaint Division. If the adjuster you’ve been dealing with has refused to make any offer at all, has engaged in what you consider to be unethical conduct, or has made what you believe to be a ridiculously low offer, you have cause for a complaint.
The mere mention of a complaint to the State Department of Insurance may bring the adjuster around to making a better offer. Adjusters would rather not have to deal with a complaint and they positively don’t want copies of them ending up in their personnel file !
Your complaint to the State Insurance Department will accomplish several things. First, his boss will now become aware that there’s a claimant who intends to do whatever it takes to obtain some positive settlement dollars. That will often inspire that person to take a closer look at your case and come up with a better offer. Also, if indeed you write to the Consumer Complaints Division, it will evolve into what’s always a costly effort because a complaint with the State Insurance Department will add an additionallayer of work, supervised by an extra contingent of personnel. When it’s realized this will likely come to pass they’ll try harder to get rid of you and settle your claim.
The vast majority of insurance adjusters dream of one day being promoted to a higher position within the company they work for. They're acutely aware of the fact if their personnel file has correspondence flowing into it from claimants they've handled(plus copies of the letters which have been sent to the insurance commissioner) and those will, somewhere down the line, be read by one of his companies executives. In many instances this will be a man who doesn’t want a “Problem” claims employee spluttering, splashing and crashing about his office area causing headaches and extra work within the framework of that particular executive’s command. The adjuster is fully aware that such complaints will keep him, out on the road forever,and will surely prevent him from moving up the corporate ladder.
OTHER CRUCIAL ISSUES THAT THE ADJUSTER IS AWARE OF
When it comes to the reality of the way things work in the actual, daily, experience of personal injury claim negotiations and settlement, is often vastly different from the stipulations found in the “Formal law”. That is, legal theory, as it’s written and allegedly supposed to work. What this means, simply stated, is: Adjusters can settle a case, whether their decision to do so is based on “The Law”, or not.
In the real world of Personal Injury settlements a “Compromise” (one which often has little and often nothing to do with "The Law") is the order of the day. It’s commonly accepted among those is the business (because that’s what makes their work life so much easier) that in any given case there’s almost always a likelihood of negligence on both sides, rather than just one. What this boils down to in practical terms, is this: Irregardless of the law practically no claim is without merit or totally lacking in value - - especially if the “Value” is simply to “get rid of it”. QUESTION: "How does Dan Baldyga know this to be true?" ANSWER: "Because he was an Insurance Adjuster, Supervisor, Manager and then Trial Assistant for over 30 years. He's been there, and observed that."
Although it’s never expressed to him “officially” every adjuster quickly learns, should your case go to trail, compromise will usually be the order of the day, even in cases of questionable liability . This fact alone gives him plenty of room to make a compromise settlement before your case ends up in his Defense Attorney’s hands where such a move will usually take place anyways! Why will this come to pass? Because the costs of preparing for(and then proceeding into)a courtroom battle will skyrocket.
Being aware of this is always bubbling and boiling in the gray matter between every adjusters ears. If there’s any question whatsoever (regarding who was at fault in the accident you were involved in) don’t ever give up. Keep pounding away! When faced with a determined claimant who’s willing to wait and haggle and refuses to go away, the chances are the adjuster will eventually make an offer.
This comes to pass because the adjuster(especially if your claim has some value) doesn’t want it to end up as a complaint at the State Department Of Insurance. Plus he knows you’ll be made, a settlement offer, somewhere down the line, anyway! So, better he settle it now, before the cost of defending it gets blown out of proportion, later.
In order to continue to look good (especially to those who watch their progress and the way they handle the outside pressure’s that haunt every one of them)insurance adjusters - - who want to climb their corporate ladder to success - - must be very cagey individuals who must work hard to please those they work for. For you to understand this will most assuredly be to your financial advantage.

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Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance Claim Guide

Your “Motor Vehicle” can be a truck, car, motorcycle - - you name it! If it’s powered by a motor and has one, two, three, four (or even more) wheels this “Guide” is for you.
The information below is a bare-bones “Guide” for those who have had such a motor vehicle accident. It details the basics of how one should with their property damage and/or personal injury claim.
AFTER IMPACT CHECKLIST
We heartily suggest you make a copy of this "Impact Checklist" to be kept handy within the confines of your motor vehicle. A “Guide” to refer to so you’ll be certain, should an accident take place, that you’ve covered everything.
Other than the fact that one must obtain from the other operator, both their drivers license and motor vehicle registration information, you should also proceed to do the following:
IMMEDIATELY MAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF: Names and addresses of eye witnesses. And later the investigating police officers name and badge number. WEATHER CONDITIONS: Snow, rain, fog, mist, sleet, etc. ROAD SURFACE: Dry, wet, slippery, icy, etc.IMPACT AREA: City, suburban, business, wooded, etc. VISIBILITY: Sunny, cloudy, dusk, night, moonlight, etc. (Was the sun in the other driver’s face)? TRAFFIC CONTROLS: Were there overhead lights? Posted speed limit signs? Stop or warning signs? Hospital or school zone signs? CREATE A DIAGRAM: Driving area: Flat, crowned, straight, curved, macadam, asphalt, concrete, cobblestone, dirt, etc. Indicate the width of street. Show the location of impact, gouge and/or skid marks. CONDITION OF MOTOR VEHICLE THAT STRUCK YOU: Age and general overall condition. Is their state inspection sticker displayed and up to date? Were chains or snow tires needed? AS SOON AS POSSIBLE RETURN TO THE SCENE AND SNAP PHOTOGRAPHS: It’s most important to take pictures of: Skid or gouge mark’s on the road surface plus the damage to both vehicles. PHOTOS OF YOUR BODILY INJURIES: It's crucial to the ultimate value of your claim to snap a multitude of colored photos (up close and from different angles) of your bodily injuries - - especially all black and blue marks or bruises.
INSIGHTS INTO HANDLING YOUR CLAIM (There Are Six Areas You Must Be Familiar With) 1. Out-Of-Pocket Expenses 2. Lost Time From Work - Lost Wages 3. Property Damage Losses 4. What Your Medical Doctor And/Or Chiropractor Reports Should State 5. Medical Payments Coverage 6. What To Do If An Adjuster Refuses To Cooperate
You Should Go Into Detail Regarding These (Below Listed) Six Areas:
(1) OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES:These are expenses that can be measured in definite sums of money. They are the foundation of the calculations used to award damages (including that often great and extra amount paid to you for your “Pain and Suffering”) regarding any financial loss flowing directly from the injury you may have sustained.
MEDICAL EXPENSES: Obtain all bills and services rendered. (Prior to their being sent out, you have ever right to ask for and read the crucial Final Reports regarding your physical condition from your Doctor, Chiropractor, “Medical Specialist” and/or Dentist).Medical Expenses Typically Include: Ambulance ~ Emergency Room ~ Hospital or Clinic ~ Laboratory Fees and Services ~ Diagnostic Tests: (X-rays and/or CT Scan) ~ Registered or Practical Nurse Fees ~ Medicine and/or Prescription Medications ~ Prosthetic Appliances or Surgical Apparatus (Canes & crutch, etc.) ~ Physical Therapy ~ Ace Bandages, Gauze & Tape ~ Heating Pads ~ Creams, Ointments, Balms & Salves. As you read them make sure these Medical Reports include the length of time of your “Total Disability” and/or your “Partial Disability”. These are of enormous value because they justify the often HUGE, extra payment made for your “Pain and Suffering” . (Plus this information will also prove your claim for Lost Wages).
NON-MEDICAL DAMAGE EXPENSES. These include: Lost Wages and Earnings ~ Lost Vacation Time and/or Sick Leave ~ Travel Expenses: (Transportation costs incurred getting to and from The Doctor and/or Hospital, etc.) ~ Household Help During Disability ~ Child Care During Recuperation.
(2) LOST TIME FROM WORK - - LOST WAGES - - YOUR "LOSS EARNING CAPACITY": The weeks, hours and/or days you were unable to work (thus the money you may have lost) is added up and documented on company letterhead. You’re often entitled to compensation for “Lost Time and Earnings” even if you have no actual loss of money ! Such as, for example, if your salary is paid by some other insurance coverage you may have or by taking sick leave or some other similar arrangement. It doesn’t matter if you're employed full time, part time, self-employed, own your own business, retired, unemployed, or a housewife not employed outside the home, you should keep a written record of all household help and/or child care needed during your disability period.
All of these constitute an element of your “SPECIAL DAMAGES” mainly "Lost Wages". Insurance companies usually don't view your time away from work (because of an injury) as “Lost Time And Earnings” but as “Lost Earning Capacity”. In most states one is entitled to compensation for lost time and earnings even if they have no loss of money. For example, when your salary is paid for by another insurance coverage you have or by taking sick leave and/or some other similar type of arrangement. There are specific situations to be considered and called to the forefront when it comes to being employed either full-time or part-time. More detailed information (regarding these above stated area’s of your loss) are found in CHAPTER FOUR “Damages” within the book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM.
(3) PROPERTY DAMAGE LOSSES: “AGREED COST TO REPAIR”: This figure has been negotiated between your damage repair person and the insurance adjuster. Be sure you know (and possess a written copy of) exactly what that figure is.COLLISION: There's usually a deductible. Read your policy. (If you’re not at fault you should eventually be able to get this money back).PROPERTY DAMAGE LIABILITY: Protects you for damages you do to the property of another (i.e. his or her trees, lawn, shrubs, mailbox, etc.) EXCLUSIONS: These are stated in your policy. A good rule of thumb is, “If it’s not excluded, it’s covered”. Read your policy closely to discover your exclusions and how they apply. TOTAL LOSS: A “Total Loss” is when the motor vehicle damage exceeds the value of the vehicle, as stated within all of the up-to-date and “Official” Property Damage books and/or documents. OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE LOSSES: Clothing, jewelry, watches, eye or sunglasses, etc. You can also collect for your (or any other individuals) personal property which happened to be in the car and was damaged. (Be sure to have written proof of the cost of each item damaged plus the date it was purchased). Never forget: You’re entitled to be reimbursed for any charges you may have incurred for towing, storage and/or substitute motor vehicle rental, or for that matter - - any other alternate transportation.
The above is a very brief review. For more in-depth information read CHAPTER FIVE: PROPERTY DAMAGE found in AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM.
(4) WHAT YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR AND/OR CHIROPRACTOR REPORT SHOULD STATE: Each “Injury Evaluation Factor” should be clearly stated within each of your final Medical Reports. For example: That your disability is solely the result of the accident. If there were any pre-existing conditions aggravated by your injuries? What treatments were administered and for what duration? What medications were prescribed, in what amounts and for how long? What symptoms or medical problems were such medications meant to relieve? Were there any adverse reactions demonstrated? Ask to read them before they're sent to the adjuster so you're sure it explains the nature, plus the extent and frequency of the pain that an injury, such as yours, will likely cause.
PROGNOSIS: This is the clearly stated information (regarding your personal injury progress) and should include: The part played by a pre-existing condition, if any? Their prediction of any possible future temporary disability/impairments? Does the individual attending you anticipate any further or future treatments? LENGTH OF YOUR “TOTAL” DISABILITY: Why? Because it's so important (when it comes time to settle) this is clearly stated in weeks and days. LENGTH OF YOUR “PARTIAL” DISABILITY: Again (and for the same reason as above) this too should be clearly stated in weeks and days. (Specific details, regarding both “Partial” and “Total” Disability , and the incredible value it provides for you in your claim, are found in CHAPTER SIX: YOUR BODILY INJURY).
(5) MEDICAL PAYMENTS COVERAGE: If you have this coverage in your motor vehicle policy, it will pay (up to the limits stated) for all medical bills arising out of the accident - - regardless of who’s at fault! (You must read your policy carefully because the “Who”, “Why” and/or “How” of this often differs).
A WORD ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS: In certain instances, it may be possible to have your medical bills paid and yet avoid any repayment by tapping into your health insurance coverage, or some other plan you may have. (Yes, this means, under certain circumstances, you may be able to collect twice for the same medical bills)!
(6) WHAT TO DO IF THE ADJUSTER REFUSES TO COOPERATE? These Are Your Usual And Routine Choices: a. Threaten that you're going to obtain the services of a lawyer to represent you. b. Go over the adjuster’s head. c. Resolve your loss in Small Claims Court. d. Contact the proper people (working through the State Department of Insurance) implementing the time honored principle of “Good Faith” vs. “Bad Faith

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Handling Your Motor Vehicle Accident With Your Own Insurance Company

This “How To” article is crucial, up-to-date information concerning what to do if your insurance company is giving you a hard time (regarding your own motor vehicle accident claim with them) and you’re positive it’s “Legit”. If there’s some problems with whatever position they’ve taken regarding your Property Damage Loss (or any other coverage-questions they may be ducking/stalling/ignoring and/or disputing) you don’t have to sit back and take it!
You DO have options to settle your dispute and you should proceed as follows:
#1. FIRST, LET YOUR AGENT KNOW YOU’RE UNHAPPY: Ask them to go to bat for you. If they sit on their butt (afraid or “too busy” to get “involved” with your “problem”) find out the name and phone number or your insurance companies nearest Claims Department. Contact them and ask for help. (Never forget, you’re their insured, your premium’s pay their salary). If the person you’re talking to attempts to handle your problem with uncaring indifference, just like your agent has, than find and talk to that individual’s boss - - The Vice President of Claims and/or whomever.
#2. BE PREPARED TO SUPPORT YOUR CASE: Have ready all documents, plus a covering letter (to snail mail to that person your finally talking to) proving your point and explaining why you’re not satisfied. (Send it to them PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL - - with a signed “Return Receipt” requested).
#4. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL INSURANCE DEPARTMENT: If you’ve followed your insurance company’s rules for resolving a dispute, and you’re still not satisfied, your own Local Insurance Department can help you. You can reach them by phone, or mail, or often online.
WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR YOU: Many insurance departments offer on-the-phone assistance to help resolve the “Problem” without requiring you to file a formal “Written Complaint“. Most post their complaint forms on their Web sites, allowing you to print out the document, complete it at home, and mail it to them. (If they don’t have a web site ask that they snail mail their “Written Complaint” form right out to you) !
After you provide them with all the necessary information (including your policy or claim number and supporting documentation) they will notify the insurance company (or agent) you’re complaining about. The company (or agent) is then required to respond to the department within a certain amount of time, usually between 10 to 30 days, depending upon the area where you live.
Upon receiving a reply, Insurance Department officials will dig deeper, trying to determine what can and should be done. This process usually takes about 30 days.
If the Insurance Department decides against the agent or the insurance company (which is clearly stated - - and one both your insurance company and your agent know to be a fact of their business life they‘d prefer not to get hung up on - - nor be forced to deal with) the Insurance Department has the power to levy a variety of penalties, ranging from a fine to actually revoking the license of the agent or company. (When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, these departments have all the power they need to penalize companies that are deliberately ducking or dragging their feet).
After reading the above, you may want to consider hiring an attorney to represent you because it can get complicated! If you do, find one who specializes in Auto Insurance. Attorney’s work either at an hourly rate or on a “Contingency-Fee Basis“, depending on the type of case. If you decide to go that route be sure to get your lawyer’s “Fee Structure” in writing. And (to remain current on the progress of your claim) insist that you receive copies of all correspondence. PLUS: Be sure your lawyer knows that he or she must have your agreement - - before committing to any settlement!

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