Help! I Need Affordable Health Insurance

Top Ways to Get Affordable Health Insurance With No Job or Little Money
By Bobbie Sage, About.com

The statistics are startling when it comes to the amount of uninsured Americans. So what do you do if you don't have a job and can't get affordable health insurance - either individually or for your family? Or if you have a job but still cannot afford the health insurance offered by an employer? There are options for finding more affordable health insurance.

There are low cost health insurance options out there that, in fact, many Americans have already implemented and are beating the rising battle against being uninsured.

Top 10 Ways to Find Affordable Health Insurance
1. COBRA
A good place to start looking for affordable health insurance is with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). If you are not employed you may be eligible to continue your previous employers' health insurance through COBRA. This also applies to children going off to college... you may be able to continue on your parent's insurance coverage through COBRA. This is a good option for people who may have lost their job and are still undergoing medical treatments. WARNING! This will not be an affordable health insurance option. The premiums will be much higher. It is best to gather all your available health insurance options first and then pick the best health insurance plan for you.

2. Worker's Compensation Insurance
Sometimes, you don't need to look far for affordable health insurance. Many people don't realize that they may be covered under their state's Workers' Compensation program. If you are being treated for any work related injury, your employer must offer you treatment under their Workers' Compensation program.

3. Medicaid
Medicaid is often overlooked as an affordable health insurance option. Some think if have a job, they won't qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid will pay health care expenses for low-income families and individuals. Each state sets the eligibility requirements. If you are working and still don't have enough to buy affordable health insurance, it doesn't cost you to see if you or your children qualify for Medicaid, so it is always best to check Medicaid first before moving on to the next options. And, there is good news about Medicaid... more states are adding health care benefits for low-income families so if you don't qualify now, keep informed of your state's Medicaid and health insurance laws because you may qualify in the future.

4. Medicare
Most people know if they qualify for Medicare or not, but I need to add it to the list just to make sure it is not overlooked as an affordable health insurance choice. Medicare is provided by the government and administered by the Social Security Administration. If you are sixty-five years old or older you would qualify for Medicare. You may also qualify if you are getting Social Security disability benefits.

5. State High Risk Health Insurance Pool
If you are turned down by individual health insurance companies because of pre-existing conditions, your state may have a high risk health insurance pool you can obtain health insurance from. It may not be an affordable health insurance choice, but it may be the only individual or family health insurance option available to you that will pay for your pre-existing conditions if you don't qualify for COBRA (see #1 of this list).

6. Individual and Family Health Insurance
This affordable health insurance option is fairly simple: you just go to an insurance company and buy individual or family health insurance the same way you would by home or auto insurance. These plans work similar to what an employer would offer their employees but would be more expensive since you don't get the cheaper group rate and you would not have an employer contributing to some of the costs. Another drawback of individual and family health insurance plans is that there is usually a pre-existing conditions clause (they may not cover pre-existing conditions or may not cover them until after a certain period of time) and a medical exam.

7. High Deductible Health Plan
High deductible health plans are becoming a popular affordable health insurance option. Say someone did decide to cover their basic doctor's visits and prescriptions out-of-pocket, but wanted the assurance of knowing that if they did need major medical care, such as for a surgery or disease, that they were covered. A high deductible health plan would do just that. It is designed to only "kick-in" after the out-of-pocket expenses (the doctor's visits, prescriptions, ect.) reach the deductible, which is higher than a normal insurance plan. Using a health insurance plan such as this has a lower premium because the deductible is higher.

8. Short Term Health Insurance Coverage
This is a great affordable health insurance option for someone in-between jobs or who knows they will be starting a job soon. Short-term health insurance coverage works the same as an individual health insurance policy (see #6 above), but you will only be covered for a specific amount of time which would keep your premiums down. This is also a good option for someone who needs time to examine their individual and family health insurance choices but still would like to be covered quickly to avoid any coverage gaps.

9. Group Insurance from Organization Memberships
This is often an overlooked source of affordable or low cost health insurance. Some people are members of specific organizations that offer health insurance coverage. Although these organizations often do not help pay the health insurance premiums like an employer would, the rates would be lower because of the group discount. So, figure out what organizations you are a member of and see if they offer group health insurance. You could also research organizations that provide group health insurance and join those groups, or even ask current organizations you are a member with to offer group health insurance. They may just not realize they could offer a plan to their members.

10. Group Health Expenses Sharing Plan
This is not insurance but works similar to it and can, in some cases, be just as effective as an affordable health insurance plan. This is when a group of people pool their money together and pay each others' health expenses... they pretty much become their own insurance company. The contributions are pooled together and usually invested in order to accrue interest on the pooled funds. It works well when there are a lot of people who contribute and everyone is only using the money for major medical expenses. There are religious groups that use this model successfully. If you are interested in this option make sure you choose a group that has been around for a long time and has a good track record.

11. Discount Medical Cards
Again, this is also not an insurance plan but can be a good source for getting low cost health services. There are many companies who offer affordable health insurance discount cards and they work like this: You pay a small monthly fee for a membership card and when you go to the doctor or hospital you will get a discounted rate on your services. These are not for everyone and one thing you have to remember is that if you had a catastrophic health crisis the discount on these cards is not a lot, so you would still have an enormous amount of bills left to pay.

International health insurance from Morgan Price

Living and working overseas as an expatriate can be exciting and have many benefits, but you may find that access to high quality international healthcare for you and your family is not one of them.

You will be living in a strange country, where the traditions and ways of life are unfamiliar to you. Simple things like shopping can be a trial, so obtaining medical treatment for you or your family could be a nightmare, without a comprehensive expatriate health insurance plan.

International healthcare arrangements for expatriates vary from country to country, and even where there are established state schemes, entitlement to such care for the expatriate worker may be restricted or non-existent. More importantly, in certain parts of the world, the standard of healthcare you might expect as an expatriate just may not be available.

1. Whatever the situation, without adequate expatriate health insurance the cost of paying for even the most basic of care could be very high - and that is if you can find the right hospital or doctor in the first place.

The answer for many expatriates is international health insurance...and the peace of mind this will bring you.
Supporting intermediaries by sponsoring
Best International
Individual PMI Intermediary
at the Health Insurance Awards
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2. When you choose an international health insurance policy, you want the reassurance that you can count on it wherever you are in the world, at any time. With products from Morgan Price you have that assurance.

Our products are underwritten by Allianz Worldwide Care Ltd, which is owned by the Allianz Group, one of the Worlds leading insurers.

As a Morgan Price customer, you will have access to a multi lingual assistance helpline 24hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need hospital treatment simply call the helpline, and we will make all the arrangements to have you treated and in most cases will settle any bills directly with the treatment provider.

What's more, for out-patient claims which you pay for yourself, we offer prompt reimbursement directly to your bank account.

3. With all Morgan Price expatriate health insurance plans you will enjoy the following:

FLEXIBILITY
Our plans have different levels of benefits and are split into geographical areas to assist with your choice of the most appropriate cover for your expatriate circumstances.

Dental Insurance: Articles, Policy Information, Savings

Dental insurance is very inexpensive and the coverage can be invaluable if a dental emergency happens to arise. Furthermore, most plans do not have deductibles like health insurance. Find out here how to choose the right coverages, get savings advice, research articles and more.

Your Dental Insurance Plan
Does your dental insurance plan cover orthodontic care such as braces? Many people who currently have dental insurance assume that they have some coverage for orthodontic care but that is not always the case. If your children will soon need braces you will now want to start the search for a good dental insurance plan to help offset the costs of orthodontic care.

Choices in Dental Insurance Plans
Everyone needs dental care. Unfortunately, not everyone knows there are a variety of ways to pay for a dentist and dental care. There are more choices than just traditional dental insurance and those choices can save you money on your dental care. If you need a way to pay for your dental care and dentist fees, here are 4 dental care and dental insurance options you may want to consider.

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The Top 5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing Dental Insurance
Dental insurance can be an effective way to prevent damage to your teeth and gums, but when determining what policy would fit you best, there are some questions you may want to ask yourself first before purchasing your next policy.

Understanding Medicaid and Medicare
These government and state funded insurance programs benefit low-income and the elderly. Find out differences, coverages, and eligibility information.

The Top Ten Insurance Myths You Need to Know!
Umbrella Insurance is for only for the rich. I am alive so I need Life Insurance, right? My co-worker is uninsured and that doesn't effect my insurance. Learn why these insurance myths are inaccurate and find out answers to the top 10 insurance myths everyone should know.

The Top 10 Personal and Business Insurance Tax Do's and Don'ts
When tax time comes there can be an array of questions about deductions and what to report as income. This Insurance Tax Do's and Don'ts list of tax tips will hopefully help many with tax questions regarding insurance whether on a personal or business level.
Insurance Companies that Provide Domestic Partner Benefits
Here is a comprehensive list, by state, of insurance carriers that provide insurance for domestic partners. Providers on this list are for individuals and companies looking for group health plans and include various coverages such as medical, dental, and life.

Understanding Your Auto Insurance Policy

More than 4 of 10 families survey by Trusted Choice® who said they had a young driver move away from the home hadn’t updated their family’s auto insurance coverage to reflect that change. Of those who are frequent carpool drivers to a job, school or activities with children, an alarming 85% hadn’t changed their liability insurance coverage to reflect the increased risk of additional passengers in the vehicle.

New Homes can Affect Your Auto Insurance Coverage

Also, if you have purchased property or a home since you first purchased your auto insurance policy, you may want to consider upping your Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability coverage levels. If you own a home and make more than $75,000 a year, most insurance experts recommend that you own at least $100,000/$300,000 of Bodily Injury coverage and $100,000 total of Property Damage Liability coverage.

Remember to keep yourself adequately covered; while having the bare minimums required by each state may keep you in compliance with state laws, they may not be enough to protect your assets if you have a major incident. Insurance experts recommend that you review your insurance policy often and thoroughly.

Understand Your Car Insurance Coverage

While everyone that drives in this country has to have some form of auto insurance by law, many do not understand the basics of their policies. While we don't all have to be auto insurance experts, it is important to at least comprehend the major bricks that build our auto insurance policies.

There are five parts of a typical auto insurance contract (the titles of these sections may differ slightly from insurer to insurer, but they all address the same points):
Auto Insurance Policy Declarations

This part of your policy is unique to you; it contains the personal facts for drivers in your household such as name and address, make and model of your vehicle(s), vehicle identification number(s), policy number and policy duration. It also contains the basic type of coverage you purchased and your policy limits and deductibles. Tip: Make sure your information is accurate; your claim may be denied if you provide inaccurate information to your insurer.

Auto Insurance Policy Coverage Parts/Insuring Agreement
This section outlines the coverage options and coverage limits that you purchased, such as liability, medical, collision and comprehensive. This section basically outlines what your insurance company promises to provide in return for your payment, based on the coverages and coverage limits you selected.

Auto Insurance Policy Exclusions
Exclusions simply detail what is not covered by highlighting your policy's limitations. Combined with the section above, this ensures that you know exactly what will be covered when you make a claim. It also shows you some possible deficiencies that you might want to correct down the line.

Auto Insurance Policy Conditions
This is where the legal responsibilities of both the insured and the insurer are listed, including premium payment obligations, steps to filing a claim, and procedures for resolving disagreements.

Term Life Insurance - Money Saving Tips

Term life insurance is a very affordable way to provide life insurance coverage for your loved ones. Even though it is affordable, there are still ways to save on a policy while making sure you maintain the proper coverage level you need.

term life insurance quotes, term life insurance for about $12 a month!

1. Buy Term Life Insurance When You're Young
Many people may feel they don't need life insurance when they are young. While your financial needs may be lower at a younger age, the rates are also substantially cheaper when you're young. Remember, the goal is to cover your primary assets (like your salary and house) so that if something were to happen to you, your beneficiaries would be able to persevere financially. The best advice is to lock in as much protection at a young age while your health and prices are still good.

2. Your "Half" Birthday Could be Costly to Your Life Insurance Premiums
While some companies raise their prices based on your actual age, most companies increase the price of their policies six months before your birthday. It's a term called "Age Nearest" in the industry, and that half-year price increase could really add up over a 20-year term life policy. As above, the quicker you purchase your policy the better.

3. Select the Right Length of Term Life Insurance Coverage
Everyone has different needs, and not one size fits all when it comes to term life insurance. While it may make sense for people in their 30s and 40s to secure a 20-year term length, a 10-year term might be more appropriate for someone nearing retirement. People who are trying to quit smoking, for example, might be best suited purchasing a shorter term (and then replacing it with a longer term policy when they qualify for non-tobacco prices). Lastly, individuals who have 30-year mortgages might want to consider a 30-year term to ensure that the house is protected throughout the period of the loan.

4. Check for Term Life Insurance Policy Price Breaks
Companies often offer "price breaks" at certain coverage amounts (e.g., $250,000 vs. $225,000). The truth is that many people can actually pay less money for more coverage. Check how little your prices increase when you increase coverage to $250,000, $500,000, or $1,000,000

5. Buy the Right Amount of Term Life Insurance Coverage
Many agents may try to sell you more coverage than you need. The purpose of life insurance is to "indemnify" (replace financial loss), and what most people should be looking for is income replacement for their beneficiaries. Independent financial planners recommend the following rule of thumb: purchase an amount of coverage equal to 6-10 times your annual gross income.

6. The Right Hobby With the Wrong Insurance Company Could Cost You on Life Insurance
People who participate in high-risk sports or activities (such as hang-gliding, skydiving, mountain climbing, scuba diving, and racing), or even those who like to have an occasional cigar could very well pay more money if they don't pick the right company. Every company looks at risk factors differently and some are more liberal in certain areas than others. Speak with a licensed insurance expert and make sure they have all the underwriting criteria at their disposal and match you with the right company.

7. Work Life Insurance Policies Aren't Always the Best Deal
While purchasing a life insurance policy through your employer is convenient, it may not be the best deal available to you. Work policies are often based on a composite profile of the employees you work with, many of whom may be less healthy than you, or have other underwriting factors that might drive up rates. These type of policies also expire if/when you leave the company. Inexpensive term life insurance polices that cover your dependents until they can live comfortably on their own are often a better alternative.

8. Check Out Your Payment/Billing Options with Term Life Insurance
Many life insurance companies offer discounts to consumers who pay their premiums annually, or who pay monthly by electronic funds transfer (EFT).

9. Review Your Term Life Insurance Policy Often
Do a review of your life insurance policy a minimum of every three years, if not more often. Rates may be lower, and your circumstances may have changed, necessitating more or less protection. If you are replacing a policy, make sure you allow enough time to get your new policy in place so coverages won't overlap or lapse.

10. Don't Overspend on Term Life Insurance Protection
Term life insurance is the most affordable and cost-effective pure protection available, and it is typically much less expensive than a comparable whole life policy. The old axiom still rings true: "Buy Term and invest the difference."

The Top Ten Insurance Myths You Need to Know!

By Bobbie Sage, About.com

Umbrella Insurance is only for the rich. I am alive so I need Life Insurance, right? My co-worker is uninsured and that doesn't effect my insurance. Learn why these insurance myths are inaccurate and find out answers to the top 10 insurance myths everyone should know.

Myth #1: Insurance Should be Bought and Used for Every Disaster
Insurance is designed to protect one from catastrophic disasters. An insurance rule of thumb: If you can pay for the loss or damage without a financial hardship then pay it, otherwise expect your insurance premium to eventually show an increase. Also, buying every type of insurance just isn't necessary. Sometimes the risk is worth taking rather than paying a premium.
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Myth #2: If I am Alive, I Must Need Life Insurance!
Life insurance is designed to take care of one's dependants after the caregiver's death. If you have no dependants, then you probably don't need life insurance. This includes children and retired persons... usually they don't have people that depend on their income so life insurance for these groups can, in rare instances, be beneficial but is usually unnecessary.

Myth #3: I'm the Breadwinner in the Home, So Only I Need Life Insurance.
Have you seen the cost of childcare lately? Add that along with housekeeping, food preparation, home accountant, and school transportation. From that list alone one can see how much a spouse really contributes to the household budget. It is estimated a non-working spouse contributes at least, but usually more, the equivalent of a full time job. For this reason it is important to buy life insurance for everyone in the household if the absence of their income would cause a financial hardship.

Myth #4: Whole & Universal Life are the Best Since I Can Get My Money Back
Term life insurance is probably the best choice for most. Term life is set for a specific term, like 10-30 years, with a much lower premium than whole and universal life. Your best bet? Buy term life and invest the premium difference in a retirement account.

Myth #5: Flood Insurance is Only for People Who Live in a High Risk Area.
Everyone who lives in a National Flood Insurance Program area is eligible and can buy flood insurance. These areas are not always prone to floods so even if you think your area is low risk you may be eligible. Check with your insurance agent to learn more.

Myth #6: Our Insurance Will Cover My Son When He is Delivering Newspapers
If your vehicle is used for anything but personal use, then you will probably need to extend your personal auto policy to cover business use of your vehicle. Don't think just because you were unaware of your coverages this will get your accident paid for--your insurance policy is a contract that you agreed to adhere to. If you don't understand all the coverages in your contract you need to contact your agent about the questions you have.

Myth#7: I Don't Need Disability Insurance Because I can Get Social Security.
Don't count on Social Security to take care of all your needs if you become disabled. If you are able to get Social Security for your disability (not all get approved to receive disability benefits so don't assume you will) then you will still have to wait months before you receive benefits and your disability needs to be long-term to qualify. And even if you qualify for benefits, will it match your current salary? Probably not.

Myth #8: If I Need Nursing Care When I am Older, The Government Will Pay for it.
Again, don't count on Medicare or Medicare Supplemental Insurance to pick up the bill. If you can qualify, Medicaid may pay up to half of the cost. Choosing long term care insurance can help you pay for the costs of a nursing facility or home care if the need arises. Also, do you really want your family to have to pick up the bill if you acquire a long term illness or disability? Long Term Care Insurance is a great option and if started early in life the premiums can be very reasonable.

Myth #9: Umbrella Insurance Coverage is Just for Rich People.
Umbrella insurance is not just for the wealthy. With the common occurrence of lawsuits, umbrella insurance is a must for every home, auto, and watercraft owner. Umbrella insurance is designed to give one added liability protection above and beyond the limits on homeowners, auto, and watercraft personal insurance policies. With an umbrella policy, depending on the insurance company, one can add an additional 1-5 million in liability protection.

Myth #10: If I Don't Purchase Health Insurance it Won't Affect Others.
People who don't purchase health insurance eventually affect the lives of every American. When many people in a company choose not to purchase health insurance, it sends a message to the employer that health insurance may not be an important benefit, which in-turn could cost other workers a loss of their health insurance benefits. Also, when healthy people don't buy health insurance, the costs raise for others because the risk is spread through less people. For these and other reasons, many have encouraged the government to switch to a universal health care system where the government would help manage health care.

Car Accident

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

I Had a Car Accident - Now What?
By Bobbie Sage, About.com

Car Accident Insurance Claim Class Action Law Suit Vehicle Insurance Asbestos Claims Insurance Policy

Although car accidents are more prevalent in the winter months, what you need to do after an accident never changes. Obviously it is hard to think clearly after a car accident so it is important to know before you get into an accident what to do first and what questions may need answered. This checklist will help you know what to do after a car accident. It is best to review it now and then print it out and keep a copy with you in your car.

* Determine the Extent of Damage or Injuries

Try to stay calm. Panic can make others panic and the situation worse. There needs to be a calm person to determine the extent of damage and to determine if there are any injuries that need immediate medical attention.

* File a Car Accident Report with the Police

Even in a minor accident it is important to make sure there is a legal accident report. Do not leave the scene until the police file a full report.

* Discuss the Car Accident Only with the Police

With everyone all shook up it can be hard not to talk about what just happened, but that can also lead to you not thinking clearly and accurately about what happened. It is important to limit your discussion of the accident and not to admit any fault or liability. You should talk about the accident with the police and your insurance agent only.

* Get the Facts

This is the part most people know to do, but often forget to after the accident for one reason or another. It is important to get names, address, and phone numbers of everyone involved in the accident. A description of the car and license plate number can also be helpful, but make sure you also get their insurance company and the vehicle identification number of their car. Don't just assume the license plate number will do because most insurance companies only record the type of car and the vehicle identification number, not the license plate number.

* Call you Insurance Agent

Call your agent or insurance company's 800-number immediately, even at the scene with the police if possible. Sometimes the police officer can give your insurance company more accurate information rather than information you may not be recording properly because you are upset by the accident. This can save you a lot of time later waiting for your claim to be processed.

How Car Insurance Works

by Allison Klein

1. Introduction to How Car Insurance Works
2. Understanding Your Auto Insurance Needs
3. The Price of Auto Insurance
4. Car Insurance Deductibles
5. Lots More Information
6. See all Buying & Selling articles

OnStar Saves Money on Car Insurance
OnStar Saves Money on Car Insurance

Red convertible
If you own your own car, you probably already know a little about car insurance. You may have heard the words deductible or premium. But, do you truly understand the different parts of an auto insurance policy and do you know how to choose the best coverage?

Forty-seven states require that you have at least some kind of car insurance, so it's a good idea to know what the law requires you to have and what additional or optional coverage will help to protect you in the event of an accident.

Before purchasing auto insurance, you must consider a variety of factors including what kind of car you have, your driving record and the amount of money you are willing to pay. Understanding the simple basics of auto insurance will make you confident that the car insurance policy you choose will take care of your needs in the event of an accident.

In this article, we will walk you through the types of coverage that insurance companies offer and discuss possible insurance needs. Additionally we will look at what affects the price of auto insurance, how to bring the costs down and how to understand the components of your policy.

Types of Coverage
Everyone who drives needs car insurance. In fact, most states require it by law. When you buy car insurance, you are buying what is called a policy. Your policy is based on a variety of factors including what kind of car you drive as well as what kind of insurance you want. Auto insurance policies are actually a package of different types of insurance coverage.

The first step in understanding an auto insurance policy is to learn the various types of coverage insurance companies offer. Some of this coverage may be required by your state and some of the coverage may be optional.

* Liability - This coverage pays for accidental bodily injury and property damages to others. Injury damages include medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages. Property damage includes damaged property and automobiles. This coverage also pays defense and court costs. State laws determine how much liability coverage you must purchase, but you can always get more coverage than your state requires.

* Collision - This coverage pays for damages to your vehicle caused by collision with another vehicle or object.

* Comprehensive - This coverage pays for loss or damage to the insured vehicle that doesn't occur in an auto accident. The types of damages comprehensive insurance covers include loss caused by fire, wind, hail, flood, vandalism or theft.

* Medical Coverage - Pays medical expenses regardless of fault when the expenses are caused by an auto accident.

* PIP - Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required in some states. This coverage pays medical expenses for the insured driver, regardless of fault, for treatment due to an auto accident.

* Uninsured Motorist - Pays your car's damages when an auto accident is caused by a driver who doesn't have liability insurance.

* Underinsured Motorist - Pays your car's damages when an auto accident is caused by someone who has insufficient liability insurance.


* Rental Reimbursement - This type of coverage will pay for a rental car if your car is damaged due to an auto accident. Often this coverage has a daily allowance for a rental car.

Many insurance policies combine a number of these types of coverage. The first step in choosing the insurance you want for your car is to know the laws in your state. This will tell you the minimum insurance you need for your car. It's good to keep in mind that, just because your state may not require extensive insurance, extra coverage may be worth the expense. After all, no one wants to be stuck with thousands of dollars worth of bills because of an auto accident.

Understanding Your Auto Insurance Needs
Just because your state requires a minimum amount of insurance doesn't mean that's exactly what you should purchase. In fact, most motorists purchase more coverage than their state requires so that they are covered for a variety of problems -- not simply a fender bender. In order to better determine your auto insurance needs, consider these five guidelines:

Know Your State Laws
Remember that forty-seven states require that you purchase liability insurance. Liability insurance is what pays for bodily injury and property damage that you cause another driver. Fifteen states including Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey also require that you buy Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This coverage pays for your medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an auto accident. Your insurance minimum will most likely be determined by state law, but many people are encouraged to purchase more than is required.

Know Your Options
There are a lot of car insurance options; but knowing what you most likely will need is the key to making sure you are appropriately covered. Do you want coverage for a rental car if your car is damaged? Do you want an extended warranty to pay for parts and labor if your car breaks down? If your car is leased, you will probably need gap insurance which pays for the difference between what your insurer pays and what you owe on your lease if the car is completely totaled.

Know How Much Money You Want to Spend
If you know your state laws and have examined your personal needs, now you can put together the different pieces of auto insurance coverage in one total policy. The first piece of the policy is almost always liability insurance. If you only have minimum liability coverage and you injure someone, their attorney can go after your personal assets. So, you need to know your assets and what you can afford to lose in the event of an accident. Many insurers feel that minimum liability is a gamble. In fact, that is why it is often only a little more money for more protection. After all, if you do get into an accident, it is much better for the insurance company to be responsible than for you to be personally responsible. Remember to run through various scenarios such as if I totaled someone else's car, will my insurance cover it? How much will I have to pay out of my own pocket? The answers to these types of questions will determine what coverage makes you feel most confident should an accident happen.

Know Your Vehicle
If your car was totaled, would you be able to afford to replace it? If not, you will want comprehensive and collision coverage. The decision to buy this coverage is usually based on the value of your car. Guidelines usually suggest that if your car is worth less than $2,000, it won't be worth it to buy comprehensive and collision. If you own a $50,000 car though, it would most certainly be worth it to pay an extra $200 annually or so to insure that your car will be replaced if you get in a serious accident.

Know About Your Other Insurance
Many people don't realize that other types of insurance including health insurance and homeowners insurance may pay for damages due to an auto accident. For instance, if you have comprehensive health coverage, you probably won't need more than the minimum required Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Make sure you know what insurance coverage you already have so that you don't purchase unnecessary coverage.

The best way to figure out your own auto insurance needs is to examine potential policies and know how much you are willing to gamble. For instance, it may not be worth it to you to purchase collision insurance if your car is not incredibly valuable and would therefore cost less to fix than to keep insured. Auto insurance is simply about how much you are willing to pay out of your own pocket versus how much you want the insurance company to cover. Once you decide this, you're all set to purchase your auto insurance policy.

The Price of Auto Insurance
There are several factors that affect the price of auto insurance. Of course, prices vary by company and you should compare prices thoroughly before you purchase a policy. The first thing that affects your policy's price is, of course, what kind of car you drive. For instance, a sports car costs more to insure than a family sedan. If you purchase a vehicle that has a high theft rate, your coverage will probably be more expensive. Essentially, though, your coverage will be based on the value of your car.

Another factor that affects auto insurance costs is where you live. If you live in an area where there is a high occurrence of accidents or vandalism, insurance will cost more money. For instance, since more cars are damaged in urban areas than in rural areas, you will probably pay more for insurance if you live in a city.

How often you drive will also affect your insurance costs. The more you drive, the higher the chances you will be an accident. Drivers who have long-distance commutes will pay more than people who live near their workplace. Meanwhile, if you only use your car on weekends, your insurance rates should be lower than someone who commutes to work daily.

The final factors that affect the price of auto insurance have to do with who you are. Your age, sex, marital status and driving record are all taken into account when you buy an insurance policy. Accident rates are higher for drivers under the age of 25, so if you are young, expect to pay a little more. Also, accident rates are higher for young males and single males. It doesn't seem fair, but if you are an unmarried 19-year-old male, your insurance rates will definitely be affected. If your driving record is impeccable, though, your rates will be lower. Obviously, drivers who are prone to traffic violations or accidents will have to pay more for insurance than safe drivers.

If these cost factors are beginning to scare you, don't worry. There are several ways to keep your insurance rates down.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my insurance go up if I have an accident or get a ticket?
Insurance companies charge higher rates to drivers with tickets and accidents because they are statistically higher risks. Claims statistics and studies by law enforcement agencies show that the chances of having an accident increases depending on how many tickets and accidents a driver has already had.

If I lend my car to a friend, is he or she covered under my insurance?
Most policies will cover drivers who have permission to use your auto. But check your policy, or ask your agent, to see if the conditions of your policy will change for drivers who are not regular operators of the car.

I have an older car whose value is very low - do I need insurance?
You should always have bodily injury and property damage. In most states you're legally required to carry a minimum amount.

Will my insurance cover my leased car if it is stolen or totaled in an accident?
Your insurance company should handle your claims the same way whether you own, lease or finance your car. But, make sure to check on your company's rules about leased cars.

What does my auto insurance policy cover when I rent a car?
It depends on your policy. The best thing is to review your policy or ask your insurance agent. For example, your policy may cover cars rented for pleasure, like vacations or special events, but not for business.

Source: Insweb.Com

Bringing the Costs Down
There are four main factors that can keep auto insurance rates down. See if you fall into any of the following categories. If you do, you may be able to save money on your car insurance regardless of the value of your automobile.

1. If you are looking to buy a car, consider buying a car that "looks good" to insurance companies. For instance, insurance companies know what kinds of cars are prone to problems. They also know what kinds of cars are most often stolen. If you haven't purchased your car yet, find out what cars make this "good list" among auto insurers.
2. Most insurance companies offer discounts for a variety of reasons - for example, good students, having more than one car insured and accident-free driving are all worth a discount. Ask insurance companies about specific discounts that may be available to you.
3. Consider carpooling or using public transportation to get to work. The less you use your car, the less your insurance will cost you.
4. Finally, drive carefully! Insurance companies are not happy to insure accident-prone drivers, so the safer you drive, the less you will have to pay for auto insurance.

Remember, don't be afraid to ask your insurance company about any discounts they offer - it could save you a little cash.

Car Insurance Deductibles
Purchasing auto insurance is not simply about the value of your car or how often you get into accidents, it is also about how much money you are willing to pay for your coverage. All auto insurance policies have a deductible. The deductible is the part of your policy that you are responsible for paying. Auto insurance policies don't simply take care of all necessary expenses. You are required to pay for some of the damages, but the amount depends on your policy. Deductibles vary by state, but are most often in amounts of $100, $250, $500 or $1,000. For example, if you are in an accident that causes $2,500 worth of damage and your deductible is $500, you are required to pay the $500 and the insurance company will take care of the remaining $2,000.

When deciding what insurance policy you want to purchase, choosing a deductible is an important step. After all, you will have to pay the deductible for each and every situation in which you require your insurance company to cover damages. Deciding how much you are willing to pay and how often you think you will need to make an insurance claim will help you decide what deductible amount is right for you. In addition, the premium you pay, or the price of your total coverage annually, can be lowered by choosing a higher deductible. In other words, if you are willing to pay higher out-of-pocket costs, you can lower the total cost of your insurance.

Purchasing an auto insurance policy doesn't have to be confusing. You want a policy to take care of your expenses in the event of accident, theft, vandalism or most any other instance in which there is damage to your own or someone else's vehicle. By knowing what your state requires, what your needs are, what discounts you qualify for and how much coverage you want for your car, you will be able to choose the right policy.

Auto Insurance Glossary
# Deductible - The amount an insured person must pay before the insurance company pays the remainder of each covered loss, up to the policy limits.

# Multi-Car discount - A discount offered by some insurance companies for those with more than one vehicle insured on the same policy.

# No-Fault Insurance - Many states have enacted auto accident laws permitting auto accident victims to collect directly from their own insurance companies for medical and hospital expenses regardless of who was at fault in the accident. Although there are many legal variations of no-fault insurance, most states still allow people to sue the party at fault if the amount of damages is above a certain state-determined amount.

# Personal Auto Policy - The most common auto insurance policy sold today. Often referred to as "PAP," this policy is written in simple wording and provides coverage for liability, medical payments, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and physical damage protection

# Split Limit - Any insurance coverage with separately stated limits for different types of coverage.

# Term - The length of time for which a policy is in effect.

# Usage - This refers to the primary function or purpose of your vehicle. For example, if you primarily drive your car to and from work, the usage is considered "commute."

Source: Insweb.Com

Pet Insurance

Pet Insurance: Companies, Articles, Choices and Savings

Pet insurance is one of the fastest growing insurance fields. Here you can find sources to help you purchase pet insurance along with savings tips and more so you can get the best protection for your furry (or not so furry) friend.

Ten Pet Insurance Questions
Pet insurance is gaining popularity. With it's low cost and comprehensive coverages many pet owners are opting to insure their furry companions. But when looking to purchase a pet insurance policy there are a few questions you will want to consider.
Choosing the Right Pet Insurance
Have you thought about pet insurance? Find out more about pet insurance and information on five top companies.

Dangerous Dog Breed? You May Be Refused for Insurance
So what happens when insurance companies start classifying certain dog breeds as high-risk? Well, homeowners with those specific dog breeds may have a hard time qualifying for a homeowners insurance policy. Current policy holders are also affected by paying more to own a high-risk breed or possibly being dropped after a liability claim from a dog incidence.
The Top Ten Insurance Myths You Need to Know
Umbrella Insurance is for only for the rich. I am alive so I need Life Insurance, right? My co-worker is uninsured and that doesn't effect my insurance. Learn why these insurance myths are inaccurate and find out answers to the top 10 insurance myths everyone should know.

Free Insurance
Get 2 months of free insurance! This site is offering 2 free months of insurance for certain accidents. Click to see what is covered, amount of coverage available, and to sign-up!

Information and Options
Get the latest on pet insurance from The Early Show. Multimedia video, insurance links, and a great article covering why you need it and coverage options.

State Specifics
All states have varying insurance laws. Want to know more about insurance laws specific to your state? Find your state commissioners website and phone number here.
Content Submission Form - Writer's Guidelines
Do you have experience in the personal insurance industry? Here is your chance to get your article published on my site! I am looking to publish guest articles from experienced insurance professionals.

Gap Insurance and Car Insurance

Insurance 101 - The Insurance Basics You Need Covered Now

Umbrella Insurance, Gap Insurance and Car Insurance, Plus More
By Bobbie Sage, About.com

Just getting your first home and car insurance? Moving out on your own? Need to know just the facts to get yourself covered? Insurance 101 is the place! Scroll through the most popular insurance categories and find informative articles on affordable health insurance, gap insurance, umbrella insurance and car insurance along with the other insurance basics to get you adequately covered now.

Auto:
Auto Insurance 101
Why do you need a five step guide to auto insurance shopping? Because, if you want to get the best coverage for your buck, shopping smart for your car insurance is the way to do it, and car insurance is one of the top ways to chisel down your insurance budget if you know how to do it right.

Minimum Auto Requirements
Just need to know the minimum coverage the law requires? Find your State-by-State Auto Minimum Requirements for liability and property damage and learn how to understand the limits.

Auto Savings Checklist
Get your automobile insurance policy and compare your savings with this list to see if you are getting all of the savings you are entitled to, or print it out and use it when getting a new policy.

Gap Insurance
Ahhh... that new car feeling. Ouch, that new car is crashed! Thank goodness you bought gap insurance... or did you? Full coverage may not be enough. Find out why gap insurance is usually always needed with a new car purchase.

Homeowners/Renter's:
Home Owners Insurance 101
Owning a home takes a lot of effort and responsibility, but unfortunately, a lot of home owners are not protecting their home with enough home owners insurance. Taking the time to understand your home owners insurance will get you on the path to making sure your investment is protected.

Renter's Insurance: Why and How Much?
Even if you have no personal property, renter's insurance is still important just for the liability protection it provides. Find out more here why if you rent you need renter's insurance.

Life:
Life Insurance 101
A life insurance policy is so important, I feel it should be a law in all fifty states that parents and anyone who has someone depending on them should be required to purchase it. Life is so unpredictable and leaving your loved ones to grieve the loss of you on top of no financial support should never be an option.

Term Life Insurance: A Low Cost Life Insurance Option
Need life insurance but feel you don't have enough in your budget to pay the premiums? Take a look at the budget friendly option of term life insurance.

Whole Life Insurance Choices
Are there choices in whole life insurance? Is it a good investment tool? Learn about your choices and investment information here.

Health:
Health Insurance 101
There are more choices than ever to find affordable health insurance. One can get their local phone book and search for insurance companies that provide health insurance coverage or one could get online and quickly find web sites that can provide a health insurance quote. But just looking for affordable health insurance coverage can lead to gaps in your health insurance coverage.

Help! I Need Affordable Health Insurance
The statistics are startling when it comes to the amount of uninsured Americans. But what does one do when they don't have a job and can't get affordable individual or family health insurance? Or, what about all the families that have jobs but still cannot afford the health insurance offered by their employers and can't find an option for affordable health insurance?

Umbrella:
Why Every Policyholder Needs Umbrella Insurance
Umbrella insurance is not just for the wealthy. With the common occurrence of lawsuits, learn why umbrella insurance is a must for every home, auto, and watercraft owner.
Best Moves in a Bad Economy

Make the most of your money despite troubling financial times.

New Car? Make Sure You Have Gap Insurance

By Bobbie Sage, About.com

Just bought a new car? What if an accident occurred soon after taking your brand new ride off the lot? You have full coverage insurance, right? So, you're covered... or maybe not.

When you drive your new car off the lot the value of your vehicle plummets, sometimes as much as 20%-30%. Say for instance you pay $25,000 for your new vehicle and have an accident a month later. You probably have only made at the most one payment and if you did not put any money down your loan amount is still close to the $25,000 purchase price. Unfortunately, even with full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision, you will only receive the market value of your vehicle which could be as much as 20%-30% lower than the purchase price. That means you may be stuck paying that 20%-30%. On a $25,000 car, just a 20% depreciation would be $5,000! That amount could be more if you financed your taxes and license into your loan.

GAP stands for Guauanteed Auto Protection. Most people just use the term GAP to represent the gap in coverage between how much one owes on a car and how much the car is worth. GAP insurance is necessary in almost all cases and is reltivily low cost. GAP insurance is a must if you are buying or leasing a new vehicle and should not be something that you decided to skip to cut costs.

Fortunately, you may already have GAP insurance with your current insurer, which would insure you for the difference between your loan amount on the car and the actual market value of the car. But, not all insurance companies offer GAP insurance.

In some cases GAP insurance is not available from your insurance company. So, what do you do? Of course the dealership will probably be able to offer you GAP insurance. If GAP insurance is not available from the dealership then you can purchase it from an online GAP insurance company. Just do an online search for GAP insurance and you will find many companies available.

Personal Property and Valuable Articles Insurance & Information

Find here information, articles, and online resources to help you choose and maintain the right personal property and valuable articles insurance.

Antique Jewelry, Fine Jewelry, Jewelry Gifts? Did You Remember Insurance?
Unfortunately, many people who have antique jewelry and fine jewelry do not insure it properly. And a big segment of uninsured jewelry is jewelry gifts. It can often be an overlooked insurance until the jewelry is lost or stolen.

Does Your Wedding Plan Include Insurance?
Not enough couples are considering wedding insurance when doing their wedding planning. As you put together your wedding plan, have you been worrying about the weather, loosing the rings, or someone falling and getting hurt? With wedding insurance you can put your mind at ease knowing that these and other concerns will be covered.

Computer and Laptop Coverage: Do you have enough?
You got the extended warranty and even checked with your homeowners insurance agent to make sure your new computer is covered. So, your safe now from whatever mishaps that may happen to your computer, right? Maybe not.
Keeping Track of Your Personal Property
Do you have your inventory list made? It is important to make a list of your personal property in case of an unfortunate incident such as a fire or theft.

Valuable Items Coverage
Before you buy more jewelry, check with your homeowners policy limits. The standard homeowners policy will limit coverage to valuables.
The Top Ten Insurance Myths You Need to Know
Umbrella Insurance is for only for the rich. I am alive so I need Life Insurance, right? My co-worker is uninsured and that doesn't effect my insurance. Learn why these insurance myths are inaccurate and find out answers to the top 10 insurance myths everyone should know.

State Specifics
All states have varying insurance laws. Want to know more about insurance laws specific to your state? Find your state commissioners website and phone number here.

How to Keep a Home Inventory Record
Keeping records of your home inventory is a good idea, not just for insurance purposes, but also to aid authorities in possibly recovering your possessions if they were stolen. Here are ideas and tips on how to keep a home inventory record.
Content Submission Form - Writer's Guidelines

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance: Artilces, Coverage Options, Savings and More

Even if you have excellent medical, home, and auto insurance, it is most likely they do not provide much coverage outside your country. Here find out what to look for in a travel insurance policy, coverage options, savings advice and more.

Getting A Good Deal on Your Travel Insurance
You have shopped around and found a great deal on your trip, so why not shop around for cheap travel insurance? Yes, cheap travel insurance is available, especially if you are looking for travel insurance online. Check out these tips to find the best travel insurance deal.

Travel Planning and Insurance
Having excellent medical insurance does not always guarantee coverage when traveling abroad. Purchasing an additional travel insurance policy can cover possible problems that your current insurance may not cover.

The Top Ten Insurance Myths You Need to Know
Umbrella Insurance is for only for the rich. I am alive so I need Life Insurance, right? My co-worker is uninsured and that doesn't effect my insurance. Learn why these insurance myths are inaccurate and find out answers to the top 10 insurance myths everyone should know.

Real "Case Reports" of Travel Incidents
Here is a great link to real "case reports" of travel accidents out of the U.S. and how they were handled. This pdf document will give the traveler who is seeking travel insurance information a better understanding of why it is important to find a good travel insurance company and what to expect if an accident happens.

13 Page Sample Travel Policy
This is a great resource for someone wanting to view a complete travel insurance policy before purchasing one. This pdf sample policy will give you an overview of what to expect when purchasing your next travel insurance policy. When you get to the opening page, click on the sample policy link under the heading Backpacker Plan to the right.
Bureau of Consular Affaris Official Website
Here is the The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs official website and listing of up-to-date travel warnings, announcements and headlines.

Consumer Information Travel Checklist
This is an excellent resource for the first time or seasoned traveler. This list goes through everything you need to travel abroad from getting your passport, lodging, insurance, marriage, overseas purchases and much more.

State Specifics
All states have varying insurance laws. Want to know more about insurance laws specific to your state? Find your state commissioners website and phone number here.
Content Submission Form - Writer's Guidelines
Do you have experience in the personal insurance industry? Here is your chance to get your article published on my site! I am looking to publish guest articles from experienced insurance professionals.

What we Cover

With all Morgan Price expatriate health insurance plans you will enjoy the following:

FLEXIBILITY
Our plans have different levels of benefits and are split into geographical areas to assist with your choice of the most appropriate cover for your expatriate circumstances.

WIDE RANGE OF BENEFITS
We cover in-patient and day-patient hospital treatment costs, as well as offering a wide range of comprehensive out-patient benefits. In addition, there is cover available for routine dental treatment and routine maternity costs (after 12 months membership).

All our international healthcare plans include evacuation benefits as standard, in case you need emergency in-patient treatment which cannot be given to you at your point of need.

HEALTH CHECKS
We have included cover for routine health checks on our more comprehensive plans (after 24 months membership) as we feel prevention is just as important as treatment!

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
All of our plans include access to our 24 hr multi lingual assistance helpline, 365 days per year. For emergency admissions to hospital you should contact us within 48 hours. This will give us the opportunity to arrange the direct settlement of your hospital bills.

CLAIMS SERVICE
Our expatriate claims service is provided by Allianz Worldwide Care who as experts in this area provide our international clients with a fast, efficient and personal service. Claims payments are wired directly to the treatment provider, or if you have paid them your self and are claiming back from us, directly into your bank account. What could be easier?

For a complete list of covered benefits please refer to the Benefits Table of your chosen international healthcare plan.

WHAT WE DON'T COVER
Whilst we try to ensure that our policies are as comprehensive as possible, we cannot provide cover for everything. The following is a list of the major exclusions from our policies:

Pre existing conditions - generally we do not pay for treatment for any condition that you experienced or had treatment or advice for prior to the start of your cover with us. However we may pay for such a condition provided that you have no further treatment, advice, medication, tests or symptoms for that condition in a consecutive 2 year period immediately after the date that your cover starts with us.

Chronic conditions - these are conditions that are not curable and which are generally maintained or managed by ongoing treatment or medication. Examples are asthma or diabetes. We don't pay for the routine maintenance of such conditions, but we may pay for the diagnosis and treatment of new conditions which occur after the start date of your cover with us.

We will pay for cancer treatment if it is diagnosed after your start date with us.

For a complete list of the exclusions to our policies please refer to the Policy wording - Exclusions section.

How to Claim

Once you have a policy with Morgan Price our claims procedure is simple. All you need to do is follow the steps below:

* Medical Emergency claims
Where possible you should contact our helpline within 48 hours so they can assist you and arrange payment etc. A treatment guarantee form will not be required for emergency cases but you should contact us as soon as possible anyway.

The helpline number will be on the back of your handy membership card.

* Non-emergency claims
All claims should be submitted in line with the claims procedure in your policy wording but as a summary:

o In-patient claims
A treatment guarantee form will need to be completed by your physician and sent to us PRIOR to any treatment commencing.

The form can be obtained by contacting the helpline.

o Out-patient and dental claims
A treatment guarantee form will be needed for those out-patient treatments listed below. For all other out-patient claims, you should always take a claim form with you when visiting a physician or dentist so that they may complete their section(s)*.

You should pay for treatment yourself and then submit the claim form with the receipts to us for payment - the address of the claims department is on the claims form. Remember to complete your parts of the claim form prior to submitting it to us for payment.

*For clients in the USA or Germany, where the diagnosis and the nature of treatment are usually included on any invoices, the physician will not need to complete these sections of the claim form. They must however sign, date and stamp the form.

o Treatment guarantee form
A Treatment Guarantee form (TGF) is completed by your physician prior to treatment and faxed to us so we may confirm treatment and costs prior to treatment taking place.

A TGF is required for the following:

+ All in-patient treatment including maternity costs
+ Psychiatric treatment of any kind (in-patient or out-patient)
+ MRI and PET scans performed as in or out-patient procedures
+ Home nursing
+ Medical evacuation and repatriation
+ Repatriation of mortal remains

The full claims procedures can be found in your policy wording

Applying for cover

Applying for cover with Morgan Price is easy.

Simply complete the proposal form of your chosen plan available on the "Our Products" page. Fax or mail the completed proposal form (via your insurance advisor if you use one) to us at the address on the form.

HOW TO PAY
You may pay your premiums monthly, quarterly, semi annually or annually, using credit or debit cards, or annually by wire transfer or cheque. Premiums are quoted in Sterling, Dollars and Euros to give added flexibility.

YOUR DOCUMENTS
Once we have received your proposal form and premium, we will send you by fax or email, a confirmation, which will include your policy number and the 24 hr assistance number. Your actual documents will be posted to you within 7 working days of the start date.

MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
Your Morgan Price plan comes with a money back guarantee.
If you are not entirely happy with your policy when you receive it, simply return the documents to us within the first 30 days and we will cancel your cover and refund your premium from inception, provided you have not made a claim.

IF YOU NEED OUR HELP
For more information about any of our products, or if you have any questions regarding applying for one of the Morgan Price plans, please contact us on +44 (0)1379 646 730 or email at info@morgan-price.com

Alternatively if you would like one of our advisors to call you, simply email us with the most convenient time and telephone number for us to call you on.