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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Insights Into Your Med-Pay Insurance Coverage

While Legal Romantics would like to characterize the trial of a lawsuit as a “Search For Truth” that’s not a reality!
Cases are decided on the evidence. When reviewing cases before them, judges invariably use the phrase, “The evidence shows”, rather than, “The truth of the matter is”. That first phrase is a reality that filters from the courtroom down to the objective evaluation of each case tried.
If Fred Fuddle is the town drunk, or if his conduct at the accident scene was provably abnormal than the value of your case should increase. If your injuries are visible and/or demonstrable, it’s likely your settlement will be larger. The conduct of both Fuddle and you before the accident may be significant. If you had been at a bar drinking heavily or raising holy hell out on the highway before the accident, you’ll get less regard from the jury than if you were driving to your house of worship with your family.
So, the circumstances of your behavior before, during, or after the accident increases or decreases the value of your settlement.
THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS IN THE “EVALUATION PROCESS”: To be fully informed, you must know and understand the six primary evaluation elements that figure into the process of evaluation. They are as follows:
(1) THE FACTS (2) THE EVIDENCE (3) THE LAW (4) YOUR INJURY (5) SPECIAL DAMAGES (6) THE INTANGIBILITIES.
(1) THE FACTS: The gathering of the provable factual information is the first step in the evaluation. If you try to evaluate a claim without as complete a file of facts as possible, it’s like going hunting for a lion with a slingshot.
(2) THE EVIDENCE: You must weigh all factual evidence known to you against the actual evidence you can produce to substantiate it. No matter what information you’re aware of, your position will always be stronger if you have the evidence to back you up.
For example: You can talk until the cows come home about the unsightly black-and-blue marks you had on your face, ribs, and hips, the scar on your forehead, or the 75 feet of skid marks Fred Fuddle’s auto left on the highway before he smashed into you, but Adjuster I. M. Smart will never adequately comprehend, (nor want to believe you) unless you provide him with photographs.
Providing Smart with the proof-positive of photographs will cause his Supervisor’s eyes to bulge as he inhales a deep breath of resignation and declares, “Hey, this one’s gonna cost us” .
QUESTION: “How can Dan be so sure about that”? ANSWER: “Because before Dan retired, after spending over 30 years on that firing line, he was an Insurance Adjuster, Supervisor, Manager and Trial Assistant. He’s been there, saw that, plus heard (and felt) that many thousands of times”!
Whenever possible you must help Adjuster I. M. Smart justify the settlement figure he wants to get approved by his immediate superior at Granite Mountian Insurance Corporation.
(3) THE LAW: As proved in over 83% of the accidents in the United States in 2003 the impact you were subjected to is clearly the fault of “Fumbling” Fred Fuddle, so the law is on your side.
Armed with the information found in my third book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) plus THE BASE FORMULA (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula) you’ll be able to do that. THE BASE FORMULA will correctly evaluate your “Pain and Suffering”. Because of this, you can settle your own claim without handing a huge percentage to an attorney. A lawyer who has done nothing more than have his secretary send Fuddle a letter of representation and then think it’s perfectly acceptable (after many moths, sometimes years, of hiding/stumbling/fumbling and verbally pitching his well-practiced answer when you asked, “Hey what’s going on with my claim?” with an answer like, “I’m right on top of it, hang in there, old friend and I‘ll make it come out right”, and then proceed to take a huge portion of your settlement dollars, for doing little or nothing to earn it.
(4) INJURY TO YOU: The seriousness of your injury has to be considered. (Ole’ Doc Comfort, your attending physician’s Medical Report, should go into detail about that).Your age will have an effect on the time it takes you to recover. The time you lost at work will have a direct bearing on the length of your recovery.
(5) SPECIAL DAMAGES: All of your direct and tangible losses are prime factors to be implemented in the consideration of the value of your claim.(Clearly stated details regarding Damages are found in Chapter Four of my book).
(6) INTANGIBLE ELEMENTS: These include your reasonableness, your economic status, your standing in the community, the obvious sentiment conjured up when one considers the degree of the seriousness of your injury, plus the attitude of Fred Fuddle (and often your witness) regarding your case.
Sympathy will come into play if you’re a widow or a highly respected Little League Coach, in contrast to your being identified as a raucous bum with a history of getting into scrapes with the law.
Emotional factors often have considerable weight in the evaluation of your claim. Whatever the intangible elements may be, you must force yourself to investigate and then evaluate them just as objectively as possible. So, if what’s being contended is incorrect, you can deny them (plus you must prove the conclusions not to be true) when and where it becomes appropriate to do so

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Consumer Directed Health Plans

Most of you have heard about “consumer directed health plans”. The Bush administration has been a strong supporter of this concept as a way to get a handle on soaring healthcare costs. The recent inaugeration of Mr. Bush signals that consumer directed health plans will increasingly make up a larger percentage of group medical plans over the next several years. In the past, consumer directed plan designs have taken on many forms: Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
Many experts consider HRAs and HSAs to be the first generation of viable consumer directed health care products. HRAs are typically paired with a high-deductible health plan and are employer-funded Section 105 defined contribution plans. HSAs are the latest version of consumer directed health care plans. The core components of HSAs include a high deductible insurance product and a cash spending account. HSAs combine the pre-tax treatment of a FSA, the portability and roll-over characteristics of a 401(k), and the tax-free distributions of a Roth IRA.
One of the main goals of any consumer directed health plan should be to get the consumer more involved in both the cost and statistical outcomes of certain healthcare procedures. Informed healthcare consumers will make wise healthcare decisions and typically these decisions will result in both lower costs and improved quality.
Although the advantages of HRAs and HSAs can be substantial, employers will want to do their homework prior to setting them up. Effective implementation will require a clear understanding of the consumer directed healthcare plan that best fits your organization as well as the administrative requirements. Employee education will be essential. Companies will also need to look into how the creation of a HSA or HRA may affect their HIPAA medical privacy compliance requirements.
Just like most endeavors, the successful implementation of a HSA or HRA will greatly depend on how much research your organization does on the pro’s and con’s of each alternative. The type of consumer directed health plan that best fits your company will depend on a combination of your corporate structure as well as the overall objectives of your group health insurance plan.
Although consumer directed healthcare plans are becoming very familiar to human resource managers and other benefit professionals, remember that your employees and their dependents will need a substantial amount of education and communication

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Cure The Insurance Blues By Lowering The Cost of Your Premiums

Does the current amount that you pay on your insurance premiums keep you awake at night? If so you’re not alone. In today’s fast paced society many people are looking for ways to save money unfortunately this can lead to scrimping and watching where you spend every penny you make. Not only is this difficult it can also be a real pain in the neck and lets face it – what’s so fun about not spending money you worked hard to get in the first place.
Fortunately there is an easy way to save a few extra dollars every month by checking to see if you’re overpaying on any of your insurance premiums. This could be your auto insurance, life insurance, home insurance or renters insurance. The reality is you can save on almost every form of insurance you have. Ok, so what’s the secret?
Welcome to the wonderful world of the Internet and free online insurance quotes. The Internet is perfect for checking to see if you can save money on all of your current insurance policies. Most online insurance providers allow you to input your information (which they keep confidential) by having you fill out a simple and easy to use form on their website. They then use the information to generate free quotes that allow you to see how much you would pay for an insurance policy. You can use that information and compare it to the cost of your current insurance premium to see if you can save some money.
The benefits of shopping for your insurance online are numerous. For instance you can adjust your coverage amount to see how it affects the cost of the policy. A live salesman never pressures you or scares you into purchasing a policy you may not want or really need. Additionally you are never under any obligation to purchase any policy offered to you giving you the time and flexibility to decide when you’re ready to change your insurance provider and coverage. Perhaps the best reason to shop online for your insurance needs (besides saving money) is the freedom to shop in the comfort of your own home, even in your pajamas if you so desire.
Start saving money now by finding insurance online that provides the coverage you need at a price that won’t keep you awake at night

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Are You Sure That Heirloom Oriental Rug From Your Aunt Hilda Is Really Insured?

Gone are the days of the cinder block and wood plank bookcases. You've come along way from that old reliable jut rug and CDs (or in some cases, actual vinyl albums) stored in milk crates. That's the way it is with first apartments, and sometimes second and third apartments too. It's what you were able to afford when you first set out own your own. And it was fun, sort of. But today's a new day, and you've paid your dues and then some. You're the king or queen of your own castle, a castle as well-appointed as any luxury model home, with beautiful area rugs, antique furnishings, and other treasurers that you'd hate ever to see lost.
Because your home, and to a certain extent the items in that furnish it, will most likely be the best investment you're likely to make, it's important to protect this investment and those items that enhance it. The simplest way to do this is to make sure that you are carrying adequate insurance coverage on your home and its furnishings.
How Much Coverage is Enough?
Determining the amount of coverage needed is crucial. Say, that beautiful oriental rug once belonging to Great Aunt Hilda has finally come to rest in your hands, only to be irrevocably damaged when someone at the party you're hosting spills Merlot on it. Other than frantically going at it on all fours, with club soda and Baby Wipes to the delight of your guests, what would you need to do in order to be "made whole" again, and most importantly, stop Great Aunt Hilda from spinning in her grave?
First, if you own your home and have a mortgage on it held by a bank, then you will be required to maintain adequate coverage on the "dwelling," the actual building which makes up the structure of your home for the life of the loan. The lender recognizes the value of this investment, and will make sure that their investment is protected by requiring it be adequately covered by insurance. But how does this insurance coverage extend to Great Aunt Hilda's prized Persian rugs and all the other furnishings that adorn the inside of your castle/home?
Estimating Value
An insurance agent writing a policy on your home will probably leave an estimation of the value of your home's contents to your discretion. Your insurance agent may even ask you directly: "How much do you think your household contents are worth?" Following this query with yet another you may or may not feel qualified to answer: "Is that replacement or actual estimated value?" Your agent may encourage you to opt for coverage that allows for those lost items to be either made whole again either by: repair, replacement or receipt of cash payment--as most common household furnishings (other than fine art and other collectables), depreciate considerably in value with time.
But what about those two rare oriental rugs left to you by dear Aunt Hilda? Will you be expected to determine the value for these items? Well, not exactly. It's one thing for you to estimate the value of last year's CD player for $129, when it's costs may be closer to $89, and quite another for you to estimate the value of a pair of rugs at $5000 each. Because you are limited to $1000 coverage per theft on these types of items when claimed under your Homeowner's policy, an estimation of $5000 for each rug under your standard policy would only you provide with $1000 worth of coverage, for items you say are worth closer to $10,000. That's why you may want to consider covering such items, those you value at over $1,000, with a Schedule to your Homeowner's policy.
So, what is a Schedule?It's a list of items which may not receive adequate coverage under your standard Homeowner's coverage.
Who should consider a Schedule? If you own fine art, rare collectables, guns, jewelry, silverware, and fine area rugs, you might very well benefit by having a Schedule added to your policy.
Do Schedules cover loss other than standard peril?Items listed on the Schedule are subject to broader coverage—beyond fire and peril--than those provided for under the standard Homeowner's policy. Schedule items include coverage for accidental and unforeseeable occurrences: like rugs permanently stained by Merlot.
Are Schedule items included under the deductible?A Schedule also benefits you because these items are not subject to a deductible.
What proof needs to be provided to add a Schedule to your Homeowner's policy?To include a Schedule to your homeowner's policy, will be asked to substantiate the value of each item to be included on the Schedule. This can be provided in the form of certificates of authenticity, sales receipt or by appraisals.
Whether or not your household items merit the inclusion of a Schedule should be determined by you, the homeowner, assisted by your insurance agent. This way, with a little additional coverage, your Aunt Hilda's treasured rugs may exist to be passed on to the next generation.

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Inside-Information Regarding Your Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance Claim

Here’s some “Inside-Info” you must know so you won’t be taken advantage of on your motor vehicle accident insurance claim and also: SO YOU CAN COLLECT EVERY DOLLAR THAT’S OWED TO YOU !
The following 8 are just “The Tip Of The Iceberg”:
#1. There are situations where you can collect for your “Lost Wages” even if you were paid by your employer and/or collected “Sick Leave” while unable to work.
#2. You can collect money and be reimbursed for any and all “Over The Counter” (non-prescription) medication you purchased during your recovery.
#3. Under normal circumstances unless a claim ends up in court (several years after impact has taken place and you are fully recovered) you do not have to agree to be examined by the insurance company’s doctor.
#4. There are many times that come to pass where you are entitled to collect the “Gross Amount” of your lost wages, not the so-called “Net After Taxes”.
#5. If you’re a housewife, you can often recover for “Lost Wages” (based on the “Value” of a maid or a domestic servant, who would execute the same work) which you could not perform due to the injury.
#6. You are entitled to extra compensation if you can prove you were forced to cancel a vacation and/or a special event.
#7. Under certain circumstances you may be able to make a claim (and collect for) a personal injury even if your state is “No-Fault” and you already have PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage.
#8. Your friends, and even relatives, have the right to execute statements which you can send to adjusters (and/or anybody you feel should get one) going into detail as to what happened to your body and what they’ve observed you’ve had to deal with (via your “Pain and Suffering”) during your period of recovery.
These statements can often provide you with an even greater dollar value - - when it comes to the calculation and then the ultimate settlement of your personal injury claim!

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Long-Term Care Insurance: Eldercare Solution

When I suddenly had to become a fulltime caregiver to my elderly parents, both with health problems and starting to develop dementia (namely Alzheimer’s), I had never even heard of Long-Term Care Insurance. After we burned through their life savings, and then started chipping away at mine, I was advised to apply for financial assistance for them through the government’s Medicaid system--a program for those at the poverty level. It was quite a long process with mounds of paperwork and numerous investigations, but finally my parents were approved.
I was so happy that monetary help would finally be on the way, until I discovered that the financial assistance would only pay to put my parents in a nursing home, not even in Assisted Living, and with very little help to keep them in their own home.
Since their levels of care were so different (my mother needed most things done for her), there weren’t any facilities that would allow them to be together. They’d be across the street from each other in different wings of the home. After fifty-five years of marriage, my parents were adamant about wanting to be together in their own home, in their own bed, where they could continue to cuddle and kiss--as they so frequently did. And, since my father was so “difficult” with a terrible temper and quite a long record of manipulative disruptive behaviors, the homes didn’t want to deal with him anyway.
It was challenging, but I committed to keeping my parents in their own home and attending Adult Day Health Care five days a week. Then, with the help of two marvelous caregivers, after four more years of loving each other--they passed, just a few months apart. Even though caring for every aspect of my parents’ last years was the hardest thing I have ever done--I am proud to say I gave them the best end-of-life I possibly could.
Had I only known to insist that we buy Long-Term Care Insurance for them prior to their illnesses--their years of in-home care could have been paid for, and I could have saved myself so much heartache, not to mention a small fortune. I encourage you to learn from my mistake and look into LTC insurance long before you need it—for your loved ones as well as yourself. Like fire insurance, hopefully, you’ll never have to use it.
Also, call your local Area Agency on Aging, or Department of Aging, and ask if there are any financial programs, waivers or grants available in your area that you can apply for.
STARTLING STATISTICS
· An estimated 4.5 to 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. In a Gallup poll, 1 in 10 Americans said that they had a family member with Alzheimer’s, and 1 in 3 knew someone with the disease.
· Increasing age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s. One in 10 individuals over 65 and nearly half over 85 are affected. Rare, inherited forms of Alzheimer’s can even strike individuals in their 30’s and 40’s.
· A person with Alzheimer’s disease will live an average of eight years and as many as 20 years or more from the first onset of symptoms.
· More than 7 out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s disease live at home, where family and friends provide 80 percent of their care. The estimated value of this informal care is $257 billion annually.
· One half of the U.S. population has a chronic condition. More than one quarter (26.6%) of the adult population provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend, which translates to more than 50 million people.
· 37% of caregivers are living in the same household as the person they care for. 54% are between 35 and 64 years of age. 59% of the adult population either is or expects to be a family caregiver, and 2 million more caregivers will be needed in the next twenty years.
· An estimated 43% of Americans age 65 or older will spend time in a nursing home. By 2012, 75% of Americans over age 65 will require long-term care. Long-term care costs are rising at 6% annually.
· The annual cost of Alzheimer’s care in the U.S. is at least $100 billion, and will soar to at least $375 billion by mid-century, overwhelming our health care system and bankrupting Medicare and Medicaid.
· Alzheimer’s disease costs American business $61 billion a year, which is equivalent to the net profits of the top 10 Fortune 500 companies. $24.6 billion covers Alzheimer health care, and $36.5 billion covers costs related to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s, including lost productivity, absenteeism and worker replacement.
THREE WAYS TO PAY FOR LONG-TERM CARE
1. Pay for in-home caregivers and assisted living/nursing homes out of pocket. This is expensive and can often deplete a family’s life savings.
2. Meet a very specific poverty level and qualify for government assistance through the Medicaid program. Unfortunately, options are limited, only paying for nursing homes that accept Medicaid.
3. Buy a Comprehensive Long-Term Care Insurance policy. This protects your family’s assets from the rising costs of caring for someone who needs full time care. An employer might pay the tax-deductible premiums. Consider buying it at a younger age, when more affordable and accessible. It must be bought before a major illness strikes. Medicare and regular health insurance does not pay for long-term care. The average cost for a person who needs long-term care is $40-$70,000 annually, depending on where you live, plus the cost to the family caregiver who may have to leave their job.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR INSURANCE AGENT
--Is the coverage comprehensive, meaning it includes all levels of care: in the home, assisted living, board & care, and nursing/dementia facilities?
--What is the daily benefit?
--Is there 5% annually compounded inflation protection?
--What is the elimination period?
--Is it a lifetime benefit period or a limited time benefit policy?
--Is there a spousal discount?
--Can you hire caregivers privately as well as from an agency?
--Is the home care benefit based on a daily, weekly or monthly maximum, and if the benefit is not used, can it be used in the future?
--Does it cover home care coordination of services?
--How many ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living) does it take to trigger a claim?
--Is there a time limit for filing a claim?
--Does it cover the cost of Adult Day Care & Adult Day Health Care, hospice and respite programs?
--Is it a tax-qualified plan?
--Is the company highly rated and have they ever raised premiums?
--Can you see the company’s published annual audit to check their track record for paying claims?

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