Mold Insurance Coverage for Homeowners

A new bill soon be introduced to Congress called the "Melina Bill", may solve mold problems for homeowners. The bill will create a national insurance program that will protect homeowners against losses from mold. This is just great news. Some houses are difficult to get mold coverage - especially if there was a water claim on it.

A few states don't allow insurers to exclude mold from homeowners insurance policies. However, the majority of states allow the exclusion of mold on the policies - but may be purchased for an additional fee.

Mold can result in major losses. Having mold coverage is important to prevent unexpected financial loss. In the states that allow insurers to exclude mold, you can likely add on a rider (additional coverage) on your policy, or shop for a home insurance company that offers the coverage.

Not only can mold cause major losses, but it is unhealthy for you. It can cause coughing and make you feel sick. So maybe this year, you should ask for a mold inspection for Christmas.

Insurance Leads Worthwhile For Agents

In the dark ages, insurance agents used to go door-to-door and try to sell insurance. Chances are, they would get the door slammed in their face. Technology has changed this tremendously. Most people won't buy insurance, unless it's on their minds and are ready to buy it.

Your job just got a lot easier! Get fresh, quality leads.

The internet is full of places insurance agents, (both captive and independent) can get insurance leads who are customers that want insurance today. Maybe some insurance agents approach people to buy insurance, but their ratio of selling insurance is not good most likely. Customers that want to buy insurance is much easier to offer your services too.

Insurance is not something people usually get excited over. They don't care if you can lower your rate if you aren't looking for insurance. However, if they are looking for insurance, they will be very interested in comparing rates and seeing how your company's rates compare to other companies.

Insurance agents know that insurance leads are much better than approaching people. Why not let people who are searching for you, find you? Rather than trying to find someone that may be looking for you, because chances are slim that they have insurance on their mind.

There is not much need anymore for an insurance agent to work so hard trying to hand out their business card to people they meet. The internet has helped bring people that seek insurance right to you.

Texas CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) Awareness

Why is it that more than 850,000 of the 1.5 million Texas children who don't have health insurance, could qualify for CHIP or medicaid? 190,000 for SCHIP, and 660,000 for medicaid. I don't know why, but it's a bit shocking. Spreading awareness will help. I've even heard of one state that has actually contacted people that could qualify and let them know about the programs.

Texas CHIP (Children's health insurance program) is a program for families that don't qualify for medicaid but can't afford private health insurance. Currently if you visit the site it will say the state is closely watching the action on CHIP, but no immediate changes are expected for their program. There you can go and learn about the program. $50 or less you can insure all of your children. The site is in both english and spanish.

At the CHIP website you can learn what is covered, who qualifies, the cost, how to apply, and how to renew. Some of the benefits include prescription drug coverage, dentist visits, check-ups, vaccinations, hospital care, and eye care.

Go here for information about Texas CHIP.
Go here for information about Texas Medicaid.

Comprehensive Auto Insurance

Watch out for deer! Over a million people accidently hit a deer on the road last year, according to this article at USA Today. For accidents such as hitting a deer, you need comprehensive insurance coverage. Collision insurance coverage is not always enough to protect your automobile.

Comprehensive coverage will cover your car when damage is caused by an unknown party or natural disasters. This coverage will also protect you from theft, flood, vandalism, or if you hit a deer. Comprehensive coverage is not required in most states, but it's a good idea to have on your policy. You'll be reimbursed minus your deductible, and be sure to read your policy.

If you see one deer, there may be other deer close by. Deer travel is small groups and are usually not alone. So use your bright lights, (as long as their is no incoming traffic) so you can see deer even if they are off the side of the road. When you see a deer off the side of the road, you should try and slow down, (but be sure there is nobody close behind you), sometimes deer like to jump across the road. Also, remember speed limits are for a reason.

Health care plan to win

Every candidate wants a healthcare plan that would be good for the people and good for the health insurance industry. The trick is to create one for both.

Before I start my rant, I'm no expert on healthcare around the world and this is just my opinion, from what I know. Many countries have private and public healthcare and do ok, however the US leans towards primarily private healthcare.

I believe that the private healthcare industry is great in the US. First, I don't think we should make health insurance the same price for all ages, and the same price regardless of health. Second, I don't think health insurance should be mandatory, since it would drive up the price of healthcare for all. Here is why. Insurance companies may be pressured into providing health insurance for all and that would drive up the cost.

Every state has a different approach to healthcare and we are well aware of that. We have healthcare for people that can't afford health insurance already. I believe that we need health insurance for people that can not afford health care, or unable to get private healthcare, due to pre-existing conditions - and allow the states to set up such programs provided by both state & federal funding. CHIP is a program that provides healthcare for children, and I think it could provide health insurance for people for adults.

There is no denying that states can decide to make health insurance mandatory. However, I strongly suggest that they not do that because it will just drive up healthcare costs.

The next issue that should be addressed is how the private health insurance industry operates. They should not be allowed to provide you health insurance, and then when you need it, to cancel you. There should be more laws in place and better regulated these poor practices.

Americans want to feel safe with their healthcare they purchase and don't want to be canceled just because they got sick. Since the states regulate these matters, the states need to call out these companies and give stiffer fines to them. There is no reason that people should be canceled after they have been paying for health insurance their whole lives. It may be rare cases that this happens, but it should be stopped abruptly.

PIP Insurance (Personal Injury Protection)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is a type of insurance coverage that covers medical expenses, and other damages resulting in an auto accident, regardless of fault. The coverage may also coverage lost wages up to a certain amount weekly.

PIP insurance is proved by auto insurance companies. PIP insurance is mandatory in some states, especially states with no-fault laws. The amount of coverage required varies by state. This type of coverage will cover the person on the named policy, family, and passengers.

The medical expenses of PIP may be limited, so it's best to also have a health insurance plan, to cover other medical expenses. Usually the limit is around $10,000. This coverage may be required or optional in your state. However, the extra coverage may be good to have even if it's optional. To find out if it's required in your state, check with your insurance state department.

Competitive Massachusetts Auto Insurance

For the first time in almost 30 years private insurers in Massachusetts are allowed to set their own rates. Under the old system, the state set one rate for all insurers. Massachusetts was the only state that regulators set rates and not the market.

While some people liked the old system, I think consumers will simply go to the insurance company with the lower rates. Apparently the average rate cuts will be 7.7% this year and 46% will drop by 10% or more. I believe this is the best thing that has ever happened for auto insurance in Massachusetts.

* USAA has planned to reduce their rates by 15% on April 1st, if the rate reduction is approved.

* Electric Insurance company filed for a rate reduction of 30% decrease for 5% of their customers, who are good drivers.

* Liberty Mutual lowers rates on average by 10.7%, and will reduce rates by 35% or more for some drivers.

* Hanover Insurance Group plans to lower it's rates by 30% or more for its best customers, and reduce rates by 20 percent for about 40,000 of it's customers.

Are we seeing a trend here? Yes, good drivers are now being rewarded. Consumers can now shop around for auto insurance quotes and look for the best rates.

Competition is great for the market. Insurance companies are used to setting their own rates, and now the auto insurance industry in Massachusetts will become a lot healthier.

Esurance Review

What I found most fascinating about Esurance was Erin's World, where you can explore her virtual world. Erin has a secret diary, art gallery, audio files, and you can find out what Esurance is doing for the environment.

Esurance started in 1998 and was purchased by White Mountains Insurance Group in 2000. Four years later they introduced Erin Esurance that you see in their TV campaigns. Erin has pink hair, and they explained that her hair is pink because most people find auto insurance boring and wanted to do something interesting.

At their website you can get an auto insurance quote from Esurance and also compare other companies rates. Their customer service is available 24 hours a day. Esurance is licensed in these states.

They offer Auto Insurance. They also have homeowners and renters insurance programs (EHIP), underwritten by Homesite Insurance. Their health insurance quotes are provided by eHealthInsurance and their life insurance quotes are provided by EFinancial.

Esurance website: Esurance.com
Esurance also supports Icer Air, which hosts events for snowboarders and skiers.

Peachcare for Kids needs funds

Peachcare for Kids, Georgia's SCHIP program, has received enough money for another month according to the Atlanta Journal-Constition. So on December 14th, they will either need more temporary funds or perhaps a compromise will be met by then.

In March of 2007, PeachCare had to freeze their enrollment due to lack of funding. Then on July 12th, 2007 the freeze was lifted for new enrollees, and ready to serve 295,000 children, since appropriate bills were signed that included enough funding. Peach Care for Kids is a jointly funded state and federal insurance program for children.

Now, I can only imagine the frustration for everyone involved. Reliability and consistency with these programs should be important. We really need to get our act together. I really hope that Congress works together and approves enough funding for these SCHIP programs for another 5 years. Being in limbo is never good. PeachCare is a very highly successful program.

PeachCare for Kids has been around for many years, many people like it. When Congress knows that a compromise can be met, maybe they should just do it. Anything they pass will be better than states having to freeze their programs.

Clue Report can affect insurance rates

Many insurance companies use the clue report to determine how much risk you are to insure. The CLUE report has information about your claim history for the last 5 years. It's way for insurers to share your information with other insurers about your record of filing claims.

ChoiceTrust by ChoicePoint Asset Company created CLUE. It stands for comprehensive loss underwriting exchange. You can get a CLUE report for property and automobile. Many insurers use this report to determine your risk. Then in 2003, under amendments to the FCRA, called the FACT Act, now allows you to get your free C.L.U.E report once a year. It's good to get a free CLUE report to make sure that the information is accurate. If something is inaccurate you may dispute it.

Also if you are interested in purchasing a home you may want to get a report for the physical address because sometimes insurance rates will be high based on past history of the home. There are CLUE reports for the address of your property, but it's not free. It's wise to get a CLUE report for your home, or a home you may be planning to buy or sell.

Your CLUE report does not contain anything about your credit score. While consumers may be aware that some insurance companies use your credit score, age, and many other factors, fewer know that they use your CLUE report. It makes sense that insurance companies use such a service, and it rewards people that file fewer claims with a lower insurance rate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChoicePoint
http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs26-CLUE.htm

Compare Insurance Rates

It's very smart to compare insurance rates. Getting a quote from one company you may save $200, but if you check another you may save $400 or even more. That's why it's important to compare rates before you buy. I know it may be tempting to buy insurance the first quote you get, but if you want to save money you should compare at least 3 to 5 companies.

I know how important it is that you get insurance and assume that you don't shop for insurance very often. So see what choices you have, and then you can make a good decision.

So get out a pencil and piece of paper and write down the quotes that you get from many different companies. Insurance isn't free, but insurance quotes are free. By getting many insurance quotes your insurance will cost you less, and that's good.

Insurance companies like to say that you can save money by switching insurance, but it's important that you have the rates of the companies so you know which insurance company can save you the most.

The top insurance companies vary based on what state you are in. Another place you might check to find out which insurance companies are in your state is at the insurance department in your state, since not all insurance companies offer insurance in all states.

Two states don't require liability auto insurance

I was reading the UnionLeader and found an article about possible mandatory auto insurance in New Hampshire. For one, I wasn't even aware that New Hampshire along with Wisconsin didn't require liability auto insurance.

However, if you do have an at-fault accident this could bring financial disaster. So it's best to get car insurance. Also, even though car insurance is not mandatory in NH, more people have car insurance in NH, than many other states. Most of the people in Manchester, NH think mandatory is a good idea, but it may be a tough sell, but I don't know why.

If you are in either states, see links below
Wisconsin's Financial Responsibility Law
New Hampshire Auto Insurance Guide

It seems that his issue has been raised 4-5 times and never passed. New Hampshire requires all policies have funding to pay victims of uninsured drivers. Also, If you finance a vehicle there, you are required have proof of insurance, which is reason why so many have insurance. The question is though, will they join the rest of us and have required mandatory auto insurance?

I can understand why most residents want mandatory auto insurance, and I agree. Since most people have auto insurance and feel it necessary to be responsible, they feel that everyone should be required to have auto insurance. Regardless if more people get auto insurance or not, with a mandate, should not be the concern.

If you are driving around with no insurance, that is not responsible. You should be required have insurance I think. I've debated the issue of mandatory health insurance, and while I feel that's not necessary, I think mandatory auto insurance is important. Having health insurance doesn't affect others, but it's different driving your car.

Insurance Blogs

I wanted share other insurance blogs I sometimes frequent. Here is my list of insurance blogs that I found interesting.

TheInsurancePolicy - This blog is devoted to the insurance industry and they keep it updated quite often.

Health Insurance Blog - This blog focuses on California health insurance. It helps me keep updated about what's the latest in health insurance in California.

InsureBlog - This blog has been up since the beginning of 2005 and quite informative. It always has an interesting post and I check it out from time to time.

LifeInsure Blog - While I haven't blogged much about life insurance on my blog, this blog has some useful information, but lately seems it hasn't been updated lately.

InsureMe Agent Blog - It's pretty useful blog for insurance agents. They keep it updated quite regularly and always interested to read what they are talking about.

Embrace Pet Insurance Blog - This blog is just for pet insurance. It's a cool blog to learn about pet insurance.

Ok, these are the most cool blogs I know of, and mine is cool too, of course. With all the new information going on about insurance, I feel need to blog more, after seeing all these good blogs for insurance. Know of any other cool insurance blogs? Feel free let me know.

Florida home insurance getting better

Over the last few years, home insurance in Florida has become either unaffordable or difficult to get at all. This is why the state of Florida created Citizens Property Insurance Corp in 2002, which they call the state's insurer of last resort.

Recently, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation announced that it is allowing four companies to take over 173,000 policies from the state's insurer. The private insurers will be offering rates that are lower than Citizens' current rates.

Consumers will be notified beginning Nov. 7 and give customers option of declining and keeping their Citizens' policies. From 2003 to 2006 Florida has returned nearly half a million policyholders to private insurers.

The four insurers participating in this take over are American Integrity Insurance Company, Landmark One Insurance Company, First Home Insurance Company, and Argus Fire and Casualty Insurance Company.

The good news is private insurers believe they can be profitable in Florida and consumers can get lower rates.

Progressive Offers Golf Cart Insurance

Progressive Insurance recently announced they now offer coverage for golf carts. While golfers are known to use golf carts, many people use golf carts to drive around a gated community and such. People can put their golf carts on their homeowners insurance policy, but this generally doesn't provide coverage if they drive off their property.

Currently they say that golf cart insurance is available in 30 states and other states soon. The coverage includes bodily injury, property damage liability, acessory coverage, transport trailer coverage and 24/7 claims service. This specialized coverage is for non-commercial purposes. Their golf cart insurance coverage is available for both gas and elecrical vehicles.

Progressive is a leading specialty insurer of motorcycles, boats, RVs and now would like their customers to know they now also offer golf cart insurance.

Multiple Insurance Quotes

Getting multiple insurance quotes saves you money. Yes, you've heard that before. Switch to this company and save money. Heard that one before too, right? I'd like to remind you of another reason why it's important to get multiple insurance quotes.

You are a consumer looking for insurance. You want insurance, but you also want to be treated proper. Finding an insurance agent that is knowledgeable, answers your questions, respectful, and patient is very important. This is why it's good to get multiple insurance quotes and compare costs and quality of costumer service.

Good customer service doesn't cost more either, but even so, I'd still rather pay a little more and feel my agent will be there if I ever need help, than an agent that wants to make a sale as fast as possible and get me out the door. Whether you talk to them in person or talk to them on the phone, you have to feel comfortable with them. You have to feel that it's not their only goal to sell you insurance. You have to feel that part of their job is taking care of their customers and being in no hurry to answer any questions you may have.

So when you are talking to an agent, you want to be sure they are nice to you. If you don't feel they treat you well then you should look elsewhere. Part of their job is being patient with you. Customer service is just as important as cost. So when you are shopping for insurance, be sure to think about both cost and customer service.

HO6 Insurance Policy - Condo Owners

The HO6 homeowners insurance policy is designed to provide coverage which is not covered by the master policy of the condo/townhouse association. For example, if water leaks out of an apartment and damages another apartment, an HO6 policy will protect the owners of the condo/apartments. It's also important to check with your homeowners association to find out what parts of the interior are covered by the master policy, so you get the right coverage. An HO6 policy basically fills in the gaps of the master policy.

HO6 Policy
* Covers your personal property
* Covers personal liability
* Covers interior walls and floor coverings
* Covers improvements or upgrades you made
* Usually has small deductible & fairly inexpensive
* Some associations require you have such policy

Masters policy (Policy for homeowners association)
* Does not cover your personal property
* Does not cover liability inside condo
* Does not cover improvements or upgrades you made
* Covers the condo building and some liability (such as walkways)
* May cover some interior parts

EHR Initiative to Improve Health Care Quality

An iniative to encourage physicians to adopt electronic health records (EHR) was announced earlier this week by the HHS. The five-year project will be open to 1,200 physicians will begin this spring.

The program will provide financial incentives to physican groups using certified EHRs and that meet certain quality measures. The project is aimed to improve the quality of care to 3.6 million consumers, which they anticipate will result in significant savings for Medicare consumers. HHS are also asking private insurers to help accelerate certified EHR adoption by offering similar incentives.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association responded and applauded the move, and believes EHRs are an important step to promote greater patient safety, increased quality of care and increased efficency. They also say, through the collective strengths of public & private sectors, this initiate will translate the benefits of health information technology from vision into reality.

Ron Paul's Health Care Proposal

I found a link at the Kaiser Family Foundation, where you can compare presidential candidates health care proposals side-by-side. I compared Hillary Clinton to Ron Paul first, and I noticed that Hillary had a lot more info than Ron Paul. Then I looked at Rudy and he has a lot of info too.

Most of Ron Paul answers in the survey were 'no provision". A few other candidates use "no provision" quite a bit as well. Ron Paul's stated goal is encourage more free market competition. This goal is also his solution in regards to cost containment. Would be nice to have more info about his plans for encouraging competition.

Does the health care system need much change? Some candidates don't think so, while others think everything needs to be changed. Personally, I'm not sure, but I think promoting wellness plans, prevention methods could be ways to contain costs. Keeping people healthy. Some change is good, but not all change is good. Anyway, so go check out and see how the different candidates compare.

Also, thanks to a commenter, I was informed that the Boulder Weekly published a cover story about Ron Paul and he was asked what is the best healthcare solution. A few issues he discusses there, are too many prohibitions in choices in medicine, too much monopolization on medical care through licensing, and legal procedures causing high prices.

Progressive Insurance Review

Progressive offers auto, motorcycle, boat and commercial auto insurance. There are two ways you can get auto insurance from Progressive. You can get insurance directly from Progressive or you can go through an independent agent/broker. You can also get homeowners insurance quotes through their site from Liberty Mutual and Homesite Insurance.

At Progressive.com, they offer quotes online where you can see rate, buy and print. They have a good website design. It's very easy website to navigate. They have a photo of a Ford Explorer with the Progressive logo on it. Also, not too many insurance companies have a blog, and Progressive has one. I haven't noticed their blog before, it might be kind of new.

At ProgressiveAgent.com, their agent website, which they call "Progressive Drive Insurance" you can get a quote and find an agent. This site is nice too. Their site has a photo of an open road. It gives you the feeling like you are driving down a road. This website used to be DriveInsurance.com but they have changed the url.

They also say that rates may vary depending if you buy direct or go through an agent. This is because each makes independent decisions on the prices of their products and have different expenses. Sometimes rates are lower if you buy through an agent and sometimes it's lower if you buy it direct.

Progressive Insurance : Progressive Direct
Progressive Drive Insurance: Progressive Agent Website

All Risks Insurance

There are several types of homeowners insurance policies. Coverage can be "all risk" or "named peril". Named peril policies cover only what is specifically noted in the homeowners policy. All-risk policies offer insurance on any peril except those excluded in the policy. The advantage of "all risk" is that it covers your property in the event of a disaster you did not predict. It is important that you read the policies carefully so that you understand your coverage.

Floods and earthquakes are two events that are generally excluded, but coverage can be added for an additional fee. Adding the additional coverage is important if you live in an area where such an event may happen.

A few other exclusions you might see in an "all risk" policy:
* Loss or damage of property from pollution.
* Loss or destruction of property intentionally or by gross negligence.
* Defective design and corrosion, rust & wear and tear.
* Electrical and mechanical breakdown of computers, electronic installations or boiler and machinery.

Farmers Insurance Group Review

Farmers insurance offers auto, homeowners, life, business & boat insurance. The company was started in 1928. At their website, farmers.com, you can manage your policies and pay monthly bills online. They also have a way you can find a local agent to get a quote. They claim to have 18,000 employees and 15 million customers. Farmers is based in Los Angeles and operates in 41 states.

They have quite a few articles on their site. Mainly questions and answers for the different type of insurance. They also have calculators for the various insurance types. The calculators include auto, homeowners, financial, lease, life, retirement & personal finance calculators. They also have some tips for homeowners.

They also have a program called Y.E.S (You're Essential to Safety) Program which is a driver's education program for new drivers. In some states, young drives may qualify for auto insurance discounts after completing the program.

Farmers Insurance Group - Official web site
United Farmers Agents Association - Farmers Insurance Agent Association

Washington Insurance Companies

The following is a list of insurance companies in the state of washington for auto, homeowners and health. Listed are the top 10 with the most market share per insurance type. Information based on statistics from 2006.

Auto Insurance Companies in Washington:
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
Farmers Insurance Company of Washington
Safeco Insurance Company of Illinois
Allstate Insurance Company
Pemco Mutual Insurance Company
Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company
United Services Automobile Association
Geico General Insurance Company
Progressive Max Insurance Company
Progressive Northwestern Insurance Company

Homeowners Insurance Companies in Washington:
State Farm Fire & Casualty Company
Farmers Insurance Company of Washington
Safeco Insurance Company of America
Pemco Mutual Insurance Company
Allstate Indemnity Insurance
Allstate Insurance Company
Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Company
United Services Automobile Association
Foremost Signature Insurance Company
USAA Casutalty Insurance Company

Health Insurance Companies in Washington:
Premera Blue Cross
Regence Blueshield
Group Health Cooperative
Molina Healthcare of Washington Inc
Pacificare of Washington Inc
Community Health Plan of Washington
Group Health Options Inc
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Northwest
Washington Dental Service
Lifewise Health Plan of Washington

Source: Washington Department of Insurance