Young Driver Car Insurance - Truth Is To Be Disclosed

By David Faulkner

As adults we understand the need for a car and of course we have to pay insurance for that car. However when our kids get insurance they often end up paying much more than they have to, because car insurance companies assume that as young they are going to be getting into a lot of trouble and causing a lot of accidents.

When it comes to getting Young Driver Car Insurance, you really want to be able to save as much money as possible. Although many people unfortunately do not realize it, there are quite a few different things that you can do in order to reduce the cost of Young Driver Car Insurance, of which will be discussed here.

One of the best ways to reduce the costs of Young Driver Car Insurance is to make sure that you pay your premium in full rather than in monthly installments, and this is because insurers will generally offer a discount on a lump sum, whereas they tend to add a surcharge fee for installments.

Higher Cost For Young Driver Car Insurance:
Why the premiums are for Young Driver Car Insurance so expensive? It is because youngsters who have just received their driver's license do not have any real driving experience and are therefore more apt to get into a car accident. Add to this the fact that many youngsters drive while distracted, whether talking to friends in the car with them, talking on their cell phone, or showing off by driving at unsafe speeds, and you have the perfect reason for insurance companies to require a higher monthly premium for student car insurance policies. A high percentage of accidents in the United States are caused by people under the age of 25 and Young Driver Car Insurance rates will typically remain high until the driver reaches this age.

In some cases, the insurance company will offer a discounted premium rate on Young Driver Car Insurance policies to students who maintain good grades. The companies believe that keeping up with your schoolwork demonstrates a sense of responsibility and they believe that shows that you will be a responsible driver. But if you get into one accident or get one speeding ticket, the discounted rate will be revoked and you will have to pay the full premium price for your Young Driver Car Insurance until you reach the age of 25.

Reason for Young Driver Car Insurance:
Young Driver Car Insurance policies are no different than traditional car insurance policies in terms of coverage and deductibles. The only difference is the high price of the premium. If you can maintain a good driving record and keep your grades up until graduation, then the rate for your student car insurance may decrease over time. And that frees up your money for more important things, like books for college.

If you keep all of these pointers in mind, then when it comes time to get car insurance for your own youngsters, you will be able to save yourself a great deal of money, something that every parent can truly appreciate

You can also find more info on teen driver and california car insurance Autocarinsurancehelp.org is a comprehensive resource to get help about car insurance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Faulkner

What Your Flood Insurance Covers

By Peter Finch

If you are planning to get a flood insurance cover but do not have the time to go to the providers in your area, you have one option and that is to apply online. The internet can help you choose an insurance policy provider who will fit your needs and you can fill in necessary forms online.
This method however, may confuse you if you do not look at the fine prints for particular policies very closely. Here are a few tips when you apply for a flood insurance cover online.

Most of the insurance companies provide contents insurance policies against both man-made and natural calamities like theft and vandalism, fire, explosions, slippage, burst pipes, earthquakes, water or oil leakage, severe weather like storms, lightening, floods, and others. In all these emergencies, you need protection for your property or a replacement when damage or loss could not be avoided.

In the UK, flooding insurance is available for you as a customer but you have to visit the insurance providers or browse through the internet to find one which is not only inexpensive but also meet your needs.

Two of the most commonly offered flood insurance policies in the UK are the buildings cover and home contents cover. The home contents insurance cover in the UK is designed to cover your personal belongings and almost everything you own. Home contents cover could include household goods and items, computer equipments, furniture and furnishings, kitchen equipment, video, audio equipments, and other personal belongings. These contents could be replaced or covered by your insurance policy when these are lost or damaged beyond repair due to floods.

Buildings insurance cover on the other hand protects the basic building or structure of your house or property. This means your insurance policy will cover the windows, floors, walls, outbuildings like garage and shed or permanent fixtures like kitchens, toilets and baths, interior decorations and even bedroom cupboards.

When you only get contents cover, only your personal belongings and valuables that you can take away from your house will be under the flooding insurance policy. Buildings cover includes those fixtures that you can not remove from your house even when you move to a new location.

A buildings insurance will cover the loss or damage of the actual structure and fittings of your home in case of flood. It is therefore important that the buildings cover you get should be enough or more than enough to cover the rebuilding cost of your house. Your insurance policy provider usually estimates the rebuilding costs of your house and structures so you will know what level of insurance cover you need.

Your house and house contents face risks of damage from many calamities, flood included so you must realize by now how important a flood insurance policy is. Do not wait to be a victim of calamities like floods without a proper cover. Spending a few hundred pounds for insurance could spell the difference in your life.

If you are looking for information or advice on flood insurance or flood plain insurance or what your flood insurance covers, visit us now. FloodInsuranceAdvice.com is a goldmine for information on all aspects of flood insurance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Finch

15 ways to make your home more secure

By Dana Dratch • Bankrate.com

Your home may be your castle, but just how deep is the moat? Tighter security is always a concern, but you don't need a "panic room" to feel safe and sound at home, sweet home. All it takes is a little common sense and maybe some elbow grease. So here are 15 tips to make your home more secure:

1. Be your own burglar. Go outside and pretend you're a crook. How would you get in?
Repeat this exercise at night. What parts of the yard are dark or hidden enough to act as cover for an intruder? These are areas you want to eliminate or illuminate with outdoor lighting. If you don't want the lights on all the time, you can put them on a timer or install motion detectors.
Ask the experts. Local police are usually happy to examine your home and offer you tips for shoring up your defenses.

2. Network with neighbors. Believe it or not, that nosy woman across the street could be your "best weapon against crime," according to Jean F. O'Neil, director of research and evaluation for the National Crime Prevention Council. Informed neighbors who know each other and know who doesn't belong in an area can stop crime before it starts with a quick call to the cops. If you want a more structured setup, more than 90 percent of police departments will help you establish a Neighborhood Watch program, says O'Neil, and the groups are a proven crime deterrent.

3. Call the cops. If you see something that strikes you as odd, trust your instinct and dial 911. "If you see something you think is suspicious," says O'Neil, "it probably is."

4. Create an illusion. Most felons want to come and go without anyone around. So make it look like someone is home. If you're away, put an incandescent lamp on a timer so that it goes on in the evening. (Skip the halogen lights, since they can be a fire hazard.) Leave on the TV or a radio. Turn down the ringer on the phone. An unanswered phone is a great advertisement that no one is around.

5. Lock and key. Forty percent of all successful break-ins happen without force, according to O'Neil. That means the door or window was unlocked or they had a key. Use the locks you have.
It's common sense to keep doors and windows closed and locked, but "the basics are the things that people mess up the most," says Seattle Police Officer Duane Fish. His department recently arrested two burglars with more than 100 break-ins between them. "Their primary method of getting into the home was an open door or window," Fish says.

When you move into a new place, make sure you get new locks. Don't hide keys outside. And, as much as you love your neighbors, friends and relatives, don't give them a key to your home, says Los Angeles Police Officer Jack Richter. "Nobody's going to be as careful with your property as you," he says.

6. Put on a peep show. Install a wide-angle peephole, and use it every time you open the door. Make sure it allows you to see all around your front door. Set up good lighting so that you can see visitors. If you have kids, consider installing a second hole at a lower height. And if you aren't expecting anyone, don't know the person on the other side of the door or can't see because your porch light has mysteriously "burned out," don't open it.

7. Hide the garage-door opener. When you go into the house, close the garage door and take the remote control with you. If he can open the garage door, a thief can "take bigger equipment or steal the car altogether," says Chicago Police Department Officer Raimond Ranne.

And if you're out for the day, especially in venues like office parks or movie theaters, keep your remote hidden, says Richter. An enterprising thief could get your home address from your auto registration or even from mail left in the car. Once a thief is in your garage, he can close the door and have time and privacy to break into your home.

And if you're going on vacation and leaving an empty house, you can deactivate the garage door opener and put a padlock through the tracks, effectively locking the door.

8. The doors. Outside doors need to be solid wood or metal, with hinges on the inside and deadbolts that extend at least 1½ inches to 2 inches into the frames. Secure a sliding door with a snugly fitting dowel in the track.

"I'm not a big fan of windows in the door, unless they are high enough that you can't reach the handle," says Fish. "French doors are the most difficult things to secure." Options: vertical deadbolts at the top and bottom of the doors. If you don't need the door as a fire exit, consider a double-barreled deadbolt, which has a key lock on both sides. Keep the key near the door but out of sight and reach from the outside. Otherwise, outfit the door with an alarm or motion sensor.

9. Get alarmed. Get a monitored security alarm. And you want one that rings at your home as well as at the monitoring station, says Philadelphia Police Corporal Jim Pauley. "You want the person to know there's a system. As a homeowner, you want them out of there."

10. Windows 2002. When it comes to ground floor windows, you might consider something stronger than the usual thumb locks, according to O'Neil. If you can afford a locksmith, you can get keyed window locks -- the kind that uses a deadbolt. Two warnings: always keep the key in the same place (near the window, but not visible from the outside) so you can find it in the dark in an emergency. This is a better option for first-story windows that you won't need as exits in a fire. And it's not a great idea in homes with kids or people with impaired dexterity, since they might not be able to remember where the key is in an emergency or be able to work the lock quickly if they need to escape a fire.

If you don't want to spring for a locksmith, you can drill a thin hole at a 45-degree angle in each window sash and drop a small-headed nail snugly in the opening, says O'Neil. Leave enough of the nail sticking up that you can pull it out easily in case of a fire. As with other window locks, you don't want to use them on windows you'll need for an exit -- or if you have people in the house who couldn't easily pull out the nail.

11. Lock up ladders. If you, or a neighbor, leave a ladder lying around, you're giving thieves an invitation to try the usually less-well-guarded upstairs windows. Either put ladders away or chain them securely to something heavy. If you're having work done on your home, treat windows near scaffolding as if they were on the ground floor for the duration of the project.

12. Super cuts. Trim bushes and trees so that all your doors and windows can be seen from the street. If thieves have no place to hide, your home becomes a less attractive target. And a mowed lawn or shoveled walkway is a sign that people are home.

13. Hide your toys. When you get that new 50-inch flat-screen TV, don't leave the box out at the curb for a week, says Ranne. Instead, take it just before the trash collectors come. Better still: carry it to a nearby dumpster.

14. Ssssshhhhh! You want to tell the world about the great deal you got on that two-week cruise to the Caymans, but save the crowing until you return. Otherwise, you might come home to an empty house. While your co-worker or postal carrier is probably totally trustworthy, you never know whom they'll tell, says Richter. Instead of putting the mail and newspaper on hold, arrange with a friend or relative to pick up newspapers and mail in your absence.

15. Look out for yourself. "Don't be paranoid, but have a general sense of what's going on around you," says Pauley. You might be mentally preoccupied with what's going on at work or with a family situation. But being aware of your physical surroundings is a great security habit, and a good lesson to teach your kids.

"Be aware of your lifestyle, what you're doing and who you are," says Richter. "Look at it from the outside, and do everything you can to minimize being a victim."

Lock bumping: A new burglary threat

Using cheap tools and tips available online, thieves could probably get into your house in less than a minute. Most American homes are vulnerable to this spreading break-in technique.
By Claes Bell, Bankrate.com

Imagine a method of defeating the vast majority of American locks that can be learned in under an hour, uses tools that can be acquired on the Internet for less than $50 and, if done right, can be performed in less than a minute, leaving little or no trace of a break-in.

If you watch local news or spend time on the Internet, you may have heard alarming stories about a new way of picking a lock called lock bumping or key bumping. Security experts in Europe and, more recently, the United States have declared lock bumping a danger to anyone who secures their valuables with pin-tumbler locks, which happens to include the vast majority of American houses.

What is lock bumping?
Lock bumping is a way of opening a lock using a specially filed key that is the same size and shape as the key normally used in the lock. This special "bump" key is inserted into the lock and then struck with a tool made of rubber or plastic. The impact of the bump key on the tumblers inside the lock temporarily pushes them up, allowing the lock's cylinder to turn. This method, if done correctly, can open a lock quickly and with relatively little noise.

"The main concern is that it is so darn easy and that you don't need any special tools or training.
You only need a key, which in most cases is an easy thing to get," says Barry Wels, a founding member of The Open Organization of Lockpickers (TOOOL), a Dutch locksmiths club that has helped promote awareness of the technique among government officials and consumers. "If you take a motivated 15- or 16-year-old and give him an hour or two and $100 to invest in tools, he can open most locks."

To know whether your lock is vulnerable, just look at the key to your front door. Some of the most popular locks by manufacturers such as Schlage, Master, Yale and Kwikset may be susceptible to lock bumping. Other potential targets include recently built condos, apartments and subdivisions, where one lock manufacturer often supplies similar locks for every house in the community. A thief would have to gain access to only one key to be able to make a bump key that would open all the locks in the neighborhood.

Fact or fiction?
How common is this technique? It's hard to say how many of the more than 2 million burglaries that occurred in the U.S. in 2006 involved lock bumping. But there's no denying that with millions of American homes relying on the pin-tumbler locks that are so vulnerable -- and with how-to information and tool kits readily available on the Internet -- the potential for exploitation of this weakness is huge.

"It's been spreading in Europe ever since it came out on German television in 2004," Wels says. "It became popular for burglars in Germany."

Still, says Yaron Erez, a security expert with Vertex Security in Manhattan, the danger presented by key bumping may be overblown. The unpleasant truth, he says, is that almost all locks can be picked. Security personnel think in terms of the time and noise it takes to compromise a lock -- no matter how good the lock, it's a matter of when, not if.

"If somebody knows how to bump a lock, most likely he knows how to pick a lock as well," Erez says. "Bumping is a little faster and easier than other forms of lock picking, but that's all."

Anti-pick locks
There are locks available that are resistant to all kinds of picking, including bumping. High-end locks by manufacturers such as Medeco, Schlage, Assa Abloy and Mul-T-Lock are alternatives to the mass-produced, widely available locks that can easily fall prey to bumping. These premium locks incorporate more-complex, multilayered locking mechanisms and patented designs that allow manufacturers to control the number of blank keys that are produced.

Electronic locks, combination locks, magnetic locks and rotating-disc locks are other choices that are immune to lock bumping. Cylinder protectors, devices that cover the front of the lock to prevent tampering, are also an option.

Unfortunately, these premium locks also carry a premium price tag, especially when the fees charged by the professional locksmiths who install them are factored in. The hardware alone starts around $100 per lock.

Security systems
Erez recommends upgrading your locks to a bump-proof design but cautions against relying entirely on any type of lock.

"Locks are just one part of the total security picture," Erez says. "There are so many ways to get into a free-standing private home: windows, garages, patio doors."

Instead, Erez recommends thinking of security in terms of providing a deterrent to potential thieves. One such deterrent is a security system, announced by a sign in the front yard. Or even the sign with no alarm at all. Extra lighting in key spots around the home and a family dog can also help.

"It's a mental thing," Erez says. "If someone wants to break in, put as many things in his way as you can. He'll most likely move on to another house."

Also, it's important to remember that many thieves don't even bother picking a lock when robbing a home. Lock bumping is irrelevant if a potential thief would rather use a crowbar or a swift kick than a bump key and a rubber mallet.

Home insurance
There is one surefire way to protect against big losses in a burglary that doesn't involve any cutting-edge equipment or security know-how: a good insurance policy. Most providers of homeowners and renters insurance will pay for a loss even if, as is the case with locks that have been bumped, there are no signs of forced entry.

"A theft is a theft. A loss is a loss," says Mike Siemienas, a spokesman for insurance giant Allstate, "as long as it's covered under your policy. Our policy is that you as a customer don't have to prove that someone broke into your house."

Kip Diggs, a State Farm representative, agreed. "It's very unlikely that we would reject a claim based on that."

Check your policy to make sure yours will pay regardless of how the thieves got in. For those who choose to upgrade to bump-resistant locks, it's worth a call to your insurance company to see if it would offer you a discount for installing higher-quality locks in your home. For the record, State Farm and Allstate do not offer a discount beyond a generic one for deadbolt locks.
According to Mike Barry, the media-relations director at the Insurance Information Institute, it's unlikely insurance companies would offer a premium discount for a specific brand of lock.

With little evidence available that lock bumping is common practice among thieves, the security threat to the average residence is, at this point, largely theoretical. Still, the probable spread of the expertise and tools required for lock bumping may make it a bigger concern in the future.
Those most in danger may be lock makers themselves, who may one day face class-action lawsuits filed by customers angry about the possibility that some companies have known about this flaw in their products for decades -- and done nothing about it.

Background Check - Employer's Insurance

By Jim Z Stewart

A person's background holds truths that often can not be discovered without actually digging. This is why so many employers insist upon a background check. Many government jobs, jobs dealing with sensitive information, increased responsibility, and particularly jobs involving close contact with children such as nanny, au pair and daycare positions often require the applicant submit to a background check.

Often such examinations are outsourced to investigative firms that specialize in such work. The extent of the background screening varies, with some companies looking closer than others, while some clients demand in-depth investigations. Among the standard information obtained is the applicant's criminal history (if any), verification of identity, the use of aliases, and sometimes verification of prior employment and the checking of references.

Background check investigations are almost always done with the knowledge of the applicant and after they have signed a release allowing the prospective employer to obtain the info, and permitting the agency to actually find it. Sometimes background screenings include obtaining the applicant's credit file, or driving record. Both of these absolutely require a separate wavier from the applicant granting permission for the employer and/or the employer's agent to obtain this info.

Positions requiring the applicant to handle money and work closely with children normally involve the most intensive background check screenings. These might also include financial history such as whether the person has ever filed bankruptcy, has had a judgment or lien against them or sued someone else. Financial crimes are most often committed by those whose history shows serious financial problems.

Jobs that involve working closely with money or valuables usually require a background check that includes a financial investigation. But other positions which may seem outside such obvious temptations include these extra services, too.

While the most obvious risk associated with childcare is molestation, or physical harm., there is a financial crime concern associated with these vocations, as well. Kidnapping is the most obvious one. A nanny does have the opportunity to flee with a child in their care and has the ability to be long long before the crime is discovered. They might then demand ransom for the child's safe return. While such a crime is possible, and by extension a concern, such crimes are exceedingly rare.

The more realistic concern for parents is often overlooked due to the intense concern for their children's well-being. A nanny is frequently alone with the child, meaning that they have unhindered and private access to all of their employer's personal possessions. Items not frequently used or even seen can slip away and not be noticed for weeks, months, or even years. A nanny, au pair, or even occasional babysitter also has access to financial records that aren't locked away. a perusal of such information could easily be the beginning of a bigger or more serious plot.

While no amount of digging can obtain the whole truth about a person's past, and no amount of historical knowledge can allow an accurate prediction of future behavior, most criminals get caught some of the time. Therefore, a background check done by a professional investigative agency can likely help people and businesses alike make a safe, informed and smart hiring decision.

http://www.nannyBackgroundSearch.com offers a wide array of background check packages and individual searches. IF you are thinking of hiring a nanny, babysitter or childcare worker, please consider allowing us to perform a background check on your applicant.

How to Get Cheap New York Health Insurance

By Brian Stevens

New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, costing twice as much as any other city in the United States. Is it any wonder, then, that 25% of New York City residents do not have health insurance? If you're uninsured, here's how to get cheap New York Health insurance with a reliable company.

Health Insurance Costs in New York
Consider these facts about health insurance in New York:

* New Yorkers pay 26% more for health care than the national average.

* From 2000 to 2006, health insurance premiums in New York rose five times faster than earnings.

New York State Insurance
New York does provide options to help the uninsured get cheap health insurance. Several state programs are available:

* Family Health Plus is a public health insurance program that
provides comprehensive coverage for uninsured adults who don’t qualify for Medicaid.

* Child Health Plus provides similar coverage for children.

* The Healthy NY program helps small business owners provide employees with affordable health insurance.

To find out if you're eligible for any of these programs, go to the New York Department of Health website - health.state.ny.us - and click on "Health Insurance Programs" under "Site Contents" on the right side of the page.

Private Insurance
If you aren't eligible for any of these programs, you can find the cheapest rate on individual or family health insurance by going to an insurance comparison website. Insurance comparison websites let you easily obtain quotes from multiple A-rated insurance companies so you can compare them and choose the cheapest one.

The best insurance comparison websites let you talk online with insurance professionals so you can get answers to all your insurance questions and get advice on how to lower your insurance costs. (See link below.)

When you choose an insurance company, you want to choose a company that will be reliable and provide you with excellent service. So before you make a final decision, check the New York Consumer Guide to Health Insurers webpage, which ranks insurance companies based on complaint statistics and enrollee satisfaction surveys. Then you'll be confident that you have the cheapest premium with the best company.

Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com/health-insurance.html or click on the following link to get New York health insurance rate quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can also get more insurance tips there.

The authors, Brian Stevens and Stacey Schifferdecker, have spent 30 years in the insurance and finance industries, and have written a number of articles on getting cheap New York health insurance quotes.

Life Insurance - Be Careful If You Want The Best

By Chimezirim Chinecherem Odimba

Life insurance agents are sometimes taught never to mention the word "life insurance" to prospects. They do their utmost to sell it in light of its benefits such as mortgage protection or retirement plan. If after all the talk you're promised that your family will even get something when you pass on, they it is life insurance (in its many forms) you're being sold.

Like for everyone selling stuff, they present the best side of the product and life insurance are no different. It's your responsibility as the buyer to ensure you know the downsides too.

The accumulation of a tax-free cash value will likely be something an agent will highlight while selling a whole life policy.

However, it's really up to you to know the commissions (Usually very high), how long you'd have to pay before your cash value become sizeable enough, surrender charges and penalties for cashing the policy early.

Don't buy any life insurance until any doubts are cleared. There are downsides to every life insurance policy and you'll do well to know them.

You can really do this well by getting educated yourself in life insurance: The various types, their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. There are documents that an agent is bound by law to give you prior to signing a policy. Do your best to read through those documents and make sure you understand them before you pay.

A free look period is something your insurer is bound by law to give you.

This is a period within which you can decide to return a life policy and still get a refund. Just make sure you return the policy by certified mail within the specified period and you'll get a full refund of premiums paid so far.

You will save a lot of money on life insurance if you obtain and compare quotes from insurance quotes sites. It should require around 15 minutes. Make sure that you input the same (correct) information about yourself at every site visited. It is NOT wise as the quotes you'll get this way will NOT be of any use to you. You'll then have to pick what represents the best insurance quote for you from the list of quotes obtained.

Get your free, quick and easy, cheap life insurance quotes here...

Free Affordable Life Insurance Quotes

Hometown Life Insurance Quotes

Chimezirim Odimba writes on life insurance.

Cheap Health Insurance - What Are Your Options?

By Jim Westin

Think you can't find affordable health insurance if you're self-employed, or your employer doesn't provide it? While it is true that health insurance has become expensive, there are a few options for cheap health insurance. Here are two forms of cheap health insurance.

Cheap Individual and Family Health Insurance Plans
Managed care plans such as an HMO offer rates lower than traditional health insurance. By using a network of care providers, insurance companies can provide quality health insurance at a lower price. There are many different types of HMO insurance plans with various types of coverage. Basic plans can be surprisingly cheap.

Another type of plan that is gaining popularity fast is the (HDHP) High Deductible Health Insurance Plan. This plan also uses a network of care providers to help reduce costs. The other way it reduces costs is with a high deductible amount. You still get complete coverage for accidents and illness, but with a higher deductible. Deductibles for this type of plan range from $1000 up to $10,000.

Researching the different insurance companies and plans, will help you find the cheapest health insurance. Everyone needs health insurance and new types of low cost plans are being developed by major insurance companies to provide coverage for everyone.

Cheap Health Insurance Quotes
Because almost all major insurance companies have made their medical plans available online, you can go shopping for health insurance any time, night or day, and find cheap individual and family health insurance quotes in a matter of minutes.

Just click on the following link to get cheap health insurance quotes and more health insurance information. It's fast, it's free, and you're under no obligation. You'll get 4 to 5 competitive quotes for affordable health insurance They also offer free quotes and information for individual and family dental plans

How to Make a Travel Insurance Claim

By Darren Faulder

Taking a holiday or business trip is usually quite straightforward. Most of the time, you buy your tickets, fork out a bit extra for travel insurance (because it’s just what people say you should do) and jump on the plane. But what happens when something goes wrong, and that safety-net insurance policy you bought actually needs comes in to play?

Many people’s first reaction to realising they have to make a travel insurance claim is slight panic – what evidence and documentation do you need? Does your situation even warrant a claim? What happens if it all falls through? Don’t worry – there are a few basic things you need to remember, and if you can do that, all should work out fine.

Who do I Contact, and When?
Depending on what it is exactly you’re claiming, you have differing amounts of time to act. Before you leave on your trip, you should take two copies of your travel insurance details, packed in separate places. This should contain the full name of the travel insurance company, the policy you chose, the dates you’re covered for, full contact details, and most importantly your unique policy number. More often than not, the company will provide you with a handy wallet-sized card with all of this information. If in doubt, take as much information as possible.

Generally, the sooner you contact your insurance company the better. In cases of medical emergency this is important. In non-life threatening cases, and where you don’t have full details of your policy with you, it might be best to contact the company to see if you’re covered before you opt for whatever insanely expensive treatment you may need. Due to the higher costs involved, your company needs to know ASAP. They will obviously also need to be contacted ASAP if you need to be evacuated home, such as from an area where you may not be able to get quality care.

If, on the other hand, you’ve lost or had something stolen, you generally don’t need to contact anyone from the company until you get home – and you often have up to a month to get around to this. What you do need to do, however, is report all theft to the local police, and obtain a report of the ‘crime’ in question. Be aware, in developing countries with high numbers of foreign tourists, this is seen by many police as a waste of their time - you might have to slip the officer in question a few bills to get anything done. (Incidentally, this won’t be covered.)

If you’re lucky enough to have your luggage lost by an airline, bus company or even hotel, try and obtain a report from them admitting culpability. Without this, your company may dispute your claim. The people who lost your goods may offer a private settlement themselves – get this written down as well.

Where’s the Proof?
Large numbers of people take out travel insurance, and, feeling slightly annoyed that they haven’t been the victim of a mugging or hostel robbery, attempt to claim that aging analogue camera as stolen. To claim, you must present proof of ownership. This is often easily done by showing the receipt for the item, but as many people simply don’t keep receipts that long, other methods are accepted; bank or credit card statements, warranty cards, even photographic evidence can be used to show that you owned a given item. If you can’t provide anything whatsoever, you may not be able to claim. Check your policy. And if they think you’re telling porkies, they might just investigate your case further – you’ve been warned.

In the case of purchases that had to be made (medical treatment, taxis when you missed your connecting bus due to a delayed flight, quick flight home due to civil war unexpectedly breaking out, etc), keep the receipt, and be prepared to present credit card statements and possibly contact details of the organisation in question.

How Long do I Wait?
Generally speaking, a simple claim on a stolen item should not take very long. Companies differ, but most will process a claim in around ten days if they have all the details they need, they will either say no, or send you a cheque. If your claim is, in their eyes, dubious for any reason, it may take longer. In cases where large amounts are to be paid out, such as those which have arisen due to medical expenditure, the gathering of all the relevant proof and information may itself take some time – you might just have to be patient.

This article has been brought to you by Travel Insurance Direct, providers of reliable online Travel Insurance for travelling Australians. Fore more information on seniors travel insurance and cheap travel insurance click the links.

Tips on Cheap Car Insurance

By Allan Elvin

An insurance is a security measure you buy to cover some future financial losses. Car insurance is meant to cover the monetary losses caused by any kind of accidents or theft. When you buy an insurance policy, you pay a price. The payment is made in instalments on monthly, quarterly or half-yearly basis. In addition to the premiums there may be some contingency fees.

Though it is not possible to get your car insured without paying a price, you can buy a cost-effective one and pay less if you follow some tips. These tips will help you get a cheap car insurance policy. To begin with, you can provide the insurer with enough details. If you do not provide him with information on your zip code, marital status, safety features of the car, and annual commuting miles, the insurance agencies may quote you a higher rate.

The deductible amount of any insurance policy influences its cost seriously. The higher the deductible amount is; the lower is the cost of the policy. So, raise your deductible as much as you can. But at the same time, make a clear-cut plan on how to cover the deductible in case of an accident.

Then cut the unnecessary miles you drive. As a rule, the drivers who travel on average 40 miles or less a day have better chance to qualify for a low mileage discount with most insurance companies. In this regard, you can consider carpooling or taking public transit couple of days a week thereby to reduce the mileage of your car. This way you can qualify for the discount and get a Cheap Car Insurance deal.

If you are a married male then you have a better chance of bringing the cost of the insurance down. Some agencies give better rates to female drivers. So, you can show your wife as the main driver to qualify for a cheap car insurance deal.

Allan Elvin is an MBA in Finance and has a rich experience of writing on topics related to finance. He professes special interest and expertise in Cheap Car Insurance and in guiding you on its various details.

Is Payment Protection Insurance A Good Option?

By Amenda Dorothy

Thousands of people lose their homes due to repossession. To a certain extent, payment protection insurance helps you in avoiding such situations. Some situations are covered under this type of insurance. Whenever you face these situations, the PPI policy ensures that you do not default in your repayments. The grounds covered under this insurance policy are loss of job, disability to work, illness, accident, death, etc. Different policies may have different terms and conditions.

The cost of taking a PPI policy is called premium. You are required to pay certain amount of money annually. The annual premium varies depending on the amount of loan that you want to avail. Sometimes, it is worth paying the premium. If you are taking a loan against property, PPI policy becomes desirable. If something wrong takes place, PPI policy may come into picture and save you from committing a default in repayment of loan.

In case of secured loans, your property is at stake. If you fail to repay the loan, the lender may repossess it. PPI takes over your repayment liability on the happening of any of the events covered under the policy.

So, you can get protection in such cases. Your home will remain safe with you even if you become jobless, ill or permanently disable to work. No doubt, PPI helps you in reducing the risk especially in case of secured loans.

Now, the question that arises is whether the premium that you pay to the insurer is worth the risk. Opinions may differ. It is entirely up to you to take a decision. If you feel that in any case you would be able to repay your loan, there is no need for PPI. But, if you are doubtful, the decision lies with you. Some borrowers prefer to take PPI in case of secured loans but avoid such policies when taking out loans where there is no danger to their properties.

About The Author: The author is a business writer specializing in finance and credit products and has written authoritative articles on the finance industry. He has done his masters in Business Administration and is currently assisting ask4loan.co.uk as a finance specialist.

For more information related to personal loans: http://www.ask4loan.co.uk

Health Care Insurance - Could I Be Paying Too Much?

By Chimezirim Chinecherem Odimba

Could I be paying too much in health care insurance? If you're not quite sure, then it's quite likely you are. I'll take you through a few things that will ensure you do not pay a cent more on health care insurance than you really have to.

One way many people pay too much is by getting more coverage than they really need. If, for example, you are a young healthy person who rarely ever needs to see a doctor, you don't need the same health care plan as an older person who has a history of certain ailments.

For the young, healthy and rarely sick person, a catastrophic health insurance plan will be quite adequate coverage. By doing this such a person will not be paying for coverage that they do not need. This means lower health insurance premiums. Aren't they exposing themselves to danger? No way! They are covered if they fall ill suddenly or sustain injuries.

Another way you can ensure you do not pay more than you should for health care insurance is to take some time to read through your existing policies. It's not beneficial for you to duplicate coverages. It only increases your health care insurance premiums. Is that what you really want?
If your answer is "NO!" then take some time out to read through your policies again. Drop every duplicate coverage. And, this does not apply only to health care insurance. It applies to all other policies.

Finally, different insurers have different rates for the exact same policy. If you've not taken some time out to do extensive comparison then you might be using an insurer that has higher health care insurance rates.

You can easily get cheaper health care insurance rates now by visiting not less than three quotes sites. Using at least three quotes sites raise the chances that you would get bigger savings. The simple logic in this is that you will obtain many more quotes from a wider range of insurers. This provides you a broader basis for doing more thorough comparisons thus increasing your chances of paying the lowest health care insurance rates for your profile and preferred plan.

Get your health insurance quotes now from my favorite sites...

Quick And Free Health Insurance Quotes

Free Health Insurance Quotes From Hometown

Chimezirim Odimba writes on health insurance.

Home Insurance- Prepare For Flood Risk

By Chris Rowlands

According to a report released by the Met office; the organisation who supply environmental and weather related services, there may be further localised flooding to come. After the brief interlude of the last week in which we finally received a touch of summer weather it is forecast that we will now see heavy precipitation for the rest of the week to come and indeed the remainder of august. This presents a risk of further flooding for those living in and around already inundated flood plains.

An estimated £3 billion worth in claims were received by house insurance companies following the earlier flooding. They will be keen to avoid further claims due to renewed flooding. With this in mind one high street bank, namely; Halifax has released a guide to help those at risk of further flooding to help ensure as little damage as possible.

Firstly and perhaps a matter of common sense, they suggest you place sandbags around entrances to your property to help hold back any ensuing barrage should a flood be deemed imminent. You should follow this with removing your electrical devices to the second floor of your home, or perhaps loft if you live in a bungalow. Please do not try to carry the freezer up the stairs single handedly as this could result in a different kind of claim. Joking aside, any precaution you can take to prevent possessions being damaged should be taken. Once this has been carried out, or perhaps first on reflection, switch off the mains supply if you can to prevent shortage or possible electrocution due to water ingress.

The company also suggest keeping home insurance documents close at hand especially in times of high risk so as to be able to respond as quickly as possible to a claim.

If you are thinking of purchasing a property it would be advisable to run a check before committing to purchase to find out flood plain status. If you find the property is built on a flood plain; as are 2.2 million homes in the UK, you should not see this as a major cause for concern as the weather we have received this summer is deemed a once in a century event. It is worth taking note of and checking if it will affect the cost of your home insurance premium however as some insurers have predicted increases. It has been speculated that some insurers may cease cover in these areas. Again this is only theory and should not be a cause for alarm.

The best advice I can give for those of you who may live in these area’s is to keep yourself updated via the Met office and look out for any flood warnings by checking local weather forecasts and listening to the radio where possible. Remember “attack is the best form of defence” in this case attack can be likened to preparation, with this is mind ensuring you are one step ahead and prepared for flooding you should greatly reduce your risks of damage to your possessions and home.

House insurance companies reportedly received over £3 billion worth of claims after the flooding of June/July.

Ensure your home insurance policy is up to date and close at hand in case of further flooding.

Tips To Get Cheap Car Insurance

By Allan Elvin

With the cost of car insurance soaring high day by day, it is no wonder that more and more and people look for cheap deals. Unfortunately there is no specific insurance deal that can be called cheap. However, it does not mean that one cannot insure his car without bearing the burden of paying big premiums. Cheap car insurance can be availed by following the steps mentioned below.

To begin with, consider the deductible amount. This is the amount that you pay first when you make any claim and the cost of your policy is directly related to this amount. If you have a good driving record and are ready to take the risk of paying a bigger amount in the event of a claim, you can save money by increasing the deductible.

The type of car you drive can play a part in deciding how cheap a car insurance you can avail. Agencies ask for higher insurance rates for certain cars. Sports cars and other models that is most likely to be stolen cost more on insurance. Then, the universal advice - drive carefully. If you have had 3 speeding fines and 2 accidents in the last year, you may not find out cost-effective insurance deal. So, don’t pass the advice as passé.

By installing safety and anti-theft devices in your car, you can increase your chance of getting Cheap Car Insurance. Agencies will be ready to insure a car at cheap rate that is safer and less at risk of theft. An insurance policy has some features that can be varied and used to curb its cost. So, scrutinize your policy when it comes to renewal time to see whether there is any scope of making changes.

Many insurance agencies offer a discount for multiple policies. So, give a look at the other insurers and find out whether they have any discount to offer. Finally, make some research on the Internet. May be there is a cheap car insurance deal waiting for you but you do not know the agency. Browsing through some sites, you may reach to that.

Allan Elvin is an MBA in Finance and has a rich experience of writing on topics related to finance. He professes special interest and expertise in Cheap Car Insurance and in guiding you on its various details.

Travel Medical Insurance - Why You Can't Leave Home Without One

By Wade Robins

It's bad enough to fall ill or to encounter an accident these days, but it's worse if it happens to you while you're in a place that's far from home. You're out of reach of close friends and family members, you're in an unfamiliar place, and even the doctors who are likely to treat you are total strangers.

Travel medical insurance can't make everything alright, but it can substantially lessen your worries. When you know that you won't have to worry about paying the bills or going back home in case something unexpected happens, traveling becomes so much more enjoyable. Peace of mind is indeed priceless.

There are several companies offering travel medical insurance whose websites are comprehensive. This means that you can perform a veritable canvassing of prices and policies without having to leave the comforts of your home. Some websites even offer free personalized quotes and compare packages from different companies.

First, choose a company that offers 24/7 service for your travel medical insurance. What's the use of getting protection when you can't be served when you need it? Second, choose the package which you think would benefit you the most. If you feel that you can manage with a policy that pays only a percentage of your medical bills, that's fine. They would, of course, cost a lot less than travel medical insurance policies that would practically "pay all the bills."

Third, ask your travel medical insurance agent about pre-existing medical conditions which may disqualify you from making certain claims. This is especially important if you are 55 years of age or older. It's a given that any kind of policy has its own fine print, so make sure you read it thoroughly.

Feel free to ask travel medical insurance companies about health advisories and required vaccinations. If you fail to comply with the rules set forth by the country you are visiting, chances are your travel medical insurance won't be liable for the medical costs you'd incur that are related to that ruling which you failed to pay attention to.

A few of the items you need to look into when choosing your travel medical insurance are doctors' fees, hospital payments, ambulance services, emergency treatments, return flights home, and prescriptions.

Next time you fly, don't get caught flat-footed. You'll be saved from a lot of trouble when you're armed with the right kind of travel medical insurance.

You can also find more info on Travel Guard Insurance and Travel Insurance For Backpackers travelinsurance-help.com is a comprehensive resource to get information about Travel Insurance.

Self Employed Health Insurance - Save Money By Educating Yourself Before You Buy

By Joe Stewart

Self Employed Health Insurance can be expensive, especially if you have a family. There's no reason to "sugar coat" the facts. The fact of the matter though is that, unfortunately, it's something that you must have, especially if you have a family. You can save yourself money and give yourself peace of mind by knowing how the basic health insurance policies work and the coverage that they provide. This is generally the same, whether you're in need of self employed health insurance or not.

Basic Medical Policies

Basic health plans have low limits of coverage. Also, there are no deductibles or coinsurance used, which means that it pays first dollar coverage and pays only the usual and customary fees. These are standard fee rates that are set by your insurance company for each medical procedure. Even if the doctor or hospital you see charges more, your policy will only pay according to their own guidelines.

Basic medical can include any or all of the following policies.

Basic Hospital

Pays a stated daily amount only while you're in the hospital (confined). An example would be $500 per day for a limited number of days, like 30 or 60. This type of coverage can be issued by itself or in combination with Medical Expense policies.

Other miscellaneous ancillary expenses while in the hospital include; physical therapy, dressings, drugs, operating rooms, x-rays, recovery rooms and more, up to a specified limit, like $10,000. Your coverage could be based on a multiple of the daily benefit amount, like 30x. Example, we used $500 per day in the previous example so that multiplied by 30 would be $15,000.

Both of these are reimbursement contracts.

Surgery Expenses

Basic medical policies provide what's called a "schedule of benefits". This schedule shows the maximum amount payable for each covered procedure. This coverage is normally provided on what is called an "absolute" basis. This means that it will only pay a specific amount for a certain procedure.

Don't let this stuff intimidate you. Just like anything else in life it must be learned. Basically, my intent here is to give you a brief education on what you'll need to be discussing with an insurance agent when you're ready to buy your self employed health insurance policy. Wouldn't you want to know what was actually covered within your policy and for how much rather than find out later that you didn't have enough coverage? Of course you would. Educate yourself now and save in the long run.

Joe Stewart Is A Former Health Insurance Agent. He's Made Understanding Health Insurance Easy For Others. You Can Learn More About Health Insurance And Get Free Health Insurance Quotes For Individual And Family At His Website TheHealthInsuranceGuys.org or by clicking on Self Employed Health Insurance

How to Combat Rising Car Insurance Premiums

By Simon Christopher

Although car insurance premiums have been steadily rising in the UK, there are some tried and tested steps you can take to ensure a competitive quote at renewal time.

Know What Cover You Need
The first and most important step is to know exactly what type of motor insurance you need together with any added extras and excess levels. Everyone has different driving habits, history and needs so only you can judge what options and cover levels are right for you. Many drivers never look at their car insurance policies until they need to claim, so break the habit of a lifetime and dig out your current and any previous policy documents to see exactly what you have paid for in the past. The question you should be asking is do you need all of the options and bolt-on protection that some comprehensive policies provide? Maybe you'll be surprised at the lack of protection you have out on the road and want to extend your cover. Whatever you decide is or isn't needed, write it down.

Shop Around for Maximum Savings
Armed with a firm idea of what you are looking for you can shop around with confidence and compare like with like more easily. The fastest and easiest way to do this is online using quotation or price comparison websites. Alternatively, if you don't feel confident buying cover online or if you need advice, use an insurance broker who has access to the whole market and can do the leg work for you. If you're happy buying car insurance online it's important to remember to stick to the same type and levels of insurance so that you can get fair comparison quotes.

Maximise Your Discount
Whether you use a price comparison site or quote engine, narrow your selection down to two or three companies and approach them directly to confirm the premiums and cover are correct. Contact your shortlist and ask about any new customer premium discounts and do your best to haggle the price down. Also remember to consider quotes from insurers you already have other types of cover with such as home or breakdown insurance. Many online providers now offer discounts for existing customers anywhere from 5% to 20%. This can also apply if you are a member of any associations, specialist groups or work unions.

Reduce the Risk of a Claim
One of the most effective ways to consistently reduce your motor insurance costs is to reduce the risk of a claim. As the two most common reasons for motor claims are accidents and theft, you can reduce the risk by improving your driving abilities through advanced driver training and ensuring your vehicle is secure and parked in a safe location at night. Another tip is to give more thought to your annual mileage when applying for a policy rather than guessing and declaring more miles than you actually drive just to be sure. Remember, statistically, the less miles you do the less risk there is of a claim.

By following these few simple steps, you can save yourself a lot of money and combat the rising cost of car insurance premiums.

For the latest tried and tested money saving tips, buying guides and insurance company reviews written by genuine customers, visit UK Insurance Index. Quickly find the most popular car insurance companies with our comprehensive directory listing major insurers like Admiral and Norwich Union Simple Cover.

Kenya Safari Security-Kenya Safari Safety, Insurance Cover, Plan

By Robert Muhoho

Kenya safari security, culture / exercise.

The word safari means “journey” in Swahili. A “safari in Kenya” sounds like such an outdoor, healthy activity. It connotes exercise (perhaps strenuous) and possibly hiking boots. A false impression. For most tourists, game –watching safaris in the major game parks mean game drives in vehicles, vast amounts of food in the form of generous buffets, perhaps a siesta, and sitting around the campfire. Hardly great for abdominal muscles.

Many game lodges are now realizing the popularity of game walks. There is a move to offer more personal interactive experiences with the African bush. Because of park regulations, this is easier for places outside of game park Boundaries. Ranches and home stays often specialize in this kind of interaction.

Ironically, it is easier to get more exercise at the coast. There is always swimming, perhaps disco dancing at night, and long walks along the beach. However, sun and humidity, the languid pace, big meals and good beer also mean that exercise might not feature in your Kenya coastal holiday. You can always return to your aerobic classes when you get home.
Kenya tourist Security

Kenya has more than its share of bad press, particularly in the north and in Nairobi. While theft and violence are real concerns, the tourism industry and the government of Kenya are taking every possible step to ensure your safety. Travelers should exercise good sense and take some reasonable precautions:

• Don’t parade valuable jewelry
• Don’t stroll the streets at night
• Catch cabs rather than walk in strange areas.
• Don’t carry lots of money and important papers
• Don’t take valuables to the beach
• Don’t walk around Nairobi at Night.

Culture shock/stress in Kenya
Although Kenya is one of the wealthier countries in Africa, there is still a great deal of poverty. Visible poverty. Poor mothers with babies beg in the streets, makeshift shacks mushroom next to modern buildings, trash heaps have just but recently disappeared.
Life goes on in public-hairdressers ply their craft under a tree, sewing machine
s sing on sidewalks; furniture makers display their wares in the sun.

Kenya jars and excites with color and chaos, vibrant life and the unexpected. It can be an exhilarating, eye-opening cultural experience.

If you come from a fast and efficient lifestyle, you may feel frustrated by the slow pace and the inefficiencies. Humor works better than anger. Surely, slowing down and appreciating a different culture is part of what makes a holiday.

Remember one of the most common Kenyan Swahili expressions: “Hakuna Matata” Kenya- no problem in Kenya.

Vendor vigilance
You may be pestered by local vendors. Bargaining is the order of the day. Bartering is an option-T-shirt and pens are popular. Remember! Use humor and don’t be dismayed at persistence.
Photos-animals, landscape, people in Kenya

Photograph landscapes, photograph animals, but ask permission before taking photos of people, and be prepared to pay for the privilege in some instance.

Creepy Crawlies
You will see less of these than you expect but they do exist. You should not walk around at night, or in the bush, without shoes. Hopefully you will be lucky enough to see some brightly colored lizards or perhaps the odd chameleon. (P.S. most of us who have lived in Kenya for years have only seen a snake twice). Don’t forget your insect repellant.

Our Furry Friends
The animals are wild. They are not paid to entertain the guests, Respect them, and keep your distance. The fact that hippos are grazing next to your tent at night does not mean you can pat them. Hippos are very dangerous. So are lions, elephant, buffalo, rhino, crocodiles, monkeys, teddy-bear-like-hyrax…It is just not prudent to pet.

The big Five are lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and your choice of buffalo or hippo. Remember, each animal is more than an addition to a list. It is fun to see how individuals react with each other, in groups, and with the environment.

Favorites of tiny five
A scarlet nit, an iridescent emerald fly, and the walking stick.

Robert is a Kenya travel agent of Landmark safaris- One of travel agencies in Nairobi. At Landmark, we provide you with African travel advisories, Health and disease information and preventative injections and medications. Let us know where you want to go and your travel health questions here http://www.landmarksafaris.com

International Medical Insurance - Stay Safe When You Travel

By Judy Wellsworth

Everyday you can go about your business with the peace of mind of knowing that you are covered. When life throws something unexpected your way, your medical insurance has you covered. But what about when you leave the safety of your country's soil? If you are traveling abroad and not covered by your regular health insurance, international medical insurance can help you fill the gaps.

Most regular insurance plans do not cover you when you are overseas. In all the excitement of planning our trips, we often fail to think about the fact that, if some unforeseen medical emergency were to occur, we have no coverage. You would be at the mercy of a foreign country's healthcare system, which may not provide the adequate care or payment solutions that you need.

Getting Traveler's Insurance
The first step in planning for your medical needs overseas is to look at your regular insurance policy. It will tell you all the specifics about what is covered and what is not covered. Most plans have some limited coverage options for travelers built in. For example, there may be coverage for life-threatening illnesses or serious accidents. Look at your plan carefully and see what is already offered.

If there is some coverage that you lack in your regular plan, you can sometimes get short-term coverage for your trip. Your insurance company can attach what is called a "rider" to your current policy, extending coverage for the specific times you will be traveling.

If they can't cover you, or if you aren't happy with the coverage options, you can also take out a supplemental insurance policy from another company to cover your visit. This might be especially handy if you will be away from your home country for a long trip. Coverage from your company may be hard to get for more than a week or two.

How Much Will It Cost?
Rates vary among different companies and for different lengths of time. Different carriers will also get different rates. Some countries will carry higher insurance policies than others. For example, a country where there are certain risks may be harder to insure. It also depends on the healthcare structure of the country.

You will also be asked if you will be engaging in any risky behavior overseas. This would include extreme sports such as mountain climbing or deep sea diving. These activities carry high risks and are hard to insure, but some companies offer special supplemental package deals for extreme sports travelers.

Coverage Options
Depending on where you are heading and what you are doing, you may want to consider some different options with your coverage. For example, you may want coverage for medical supplies.
If you are going to a remote area and may need to provide your own First Aid, you can get covered for this.

Another possible option is evacuation. Nobody wants to think about something terrible happening when they are overseas, but there are sometimes emergencies. Evacuation insurance will cover the costs of getting you to a safe place.

Billing options also vary. Some companies will expect you to pay everything out of pocket, and they will reimburse you later. This is an important issue, because you need to make sure you have the cash on hand to pay. In some countries, medical attention may be denied until the bill is paid.

International Medical Insurance Tips
Your insurance company will issue you an ID card and you should keep it with you at all times. It may be more important than the money you are carrying.

There are several international organizations that provide emergency help for international travelers. These include Medex and SOS. There is also the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT), which offers free services.

When you are traveling, it is important that you have the same peace of mind you would have at home. Look at your insurance policy's international medical insurance coverage and pick the best option for you.

You can also find more information at Short Term Health Insurance and Travel Medical Insurance.

Medicalhealthinsuranceguide.org is a comprehensive resource to get help about health insurance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Wellsworth