Posts Tagged ‘Insurance’

How To Find The Best Rates On Health Insurance In Washington

March 11th, 2010
No Comments »

When a resident of Washington State is deciding where to turn for health insurance coverage all the information out there can be confusing. Trying to find a plan that provides all the coverage needed at the best rate is challenging. If you are not one of the individuals who qualify for the Washington State Health Insurance Pool, you need to know a few basic facts to help you in your quest for affordable health care coverage:

? Many health insurance plans offer a discount if the individual seeking coverage has a gym membership or is active in exercise classes or regularly gets massages. Any of these can make a difference in the cost of premiums.

? Ask several different health care insurance companies for a quote on exactly the type of coverage you need. Once you have those quotes you can compare them with one another to see exactly which one really does offer the best rates. When you take this approach ensure that the quotes are reflective of the same coverage options.

? Certain pre-existing conditions can raise the cost of your health insurance premiums. These include being overweight, smoking and having high cholesterol. Being active in changing those things can really put a dent in the cost of premiums.

? Remove any children who have coverage at their own jobs or schools. Many college age students have health coverage either through school or a part-time job. If this is the case, have them taken off your policy. Your premiums will reflect this.

It’s imperative to have ample coverage to protect you in the event that someone in the family becomes ill. Although you’ll probably be tempted to cut corners when it comes to health insurance costs, don’t. You can find the coverage you need at a price you can afford. The trick is knowing what to look for.

Washington | Posted by admin

Tags: , , , , ,

How To Compare Low Cost Car Insurance In Washington

March 11th, 2010
No Comments »

Comparison shopping is something most of us do on a daily basis. Whether we’re looking for a deal on a certain grocery item or we shop around for a jacket, we’re in search of the best bargain for our dollar. The same should happen when it comes to car insurance shopping. With over sixty different auto insurance companies headquartered in Washington State, the residents can certainly do more than just a little price checking.

Getting car insurance quotes can be an uncomfortable undertaking. Not only are you expected to hand over some personal information to an insurance agent, but in most cases you’ve got to give them your contact information as well. For anyone who has gone through this process, they can verify that once an agent has your number, he or she is likely to put it to good use trying to contact you to secure a policy with them.

The best and easiest approach is to utilize the free quote function found on many websites. Many of the Washington based auto insurance companies allow you to inquire about a free quote online. Although you’ll still be providing your contact information you can also suggest a time for them to contact you. By the time they do call, they should have an idea of what a policy will cost you based on the information you provided, including your make and model of car, how long you’ve been driving and how much you actually drive the car per month.

Ensure that when you do ask for multiple quotes that you request the same coverage information each time. Policies vary from insurer to insurer but if you know what you need, and you ask for a quote solely based on that, you’ll have a base at which to start your comparisons. Remember that although price is really important, the reliability and reputation of the insurance company matters too.

Washington | Posted by admin

Tags: , , ,

How To Compare Low Cost Life Insurance In Washington

March 11th, 2010
No Comments »

So you’d like to find life insurance coverage but you don’t want to spend a small fortune? This is actually the goal of many people in Washington State. Speaking with a life insurance agent can be confusing and many times words are tossed around that make little sense to the consumer. Knowing the basics of what life insurance is and isn’t can help an individual make a better informed choice of what they need. One important note is that in Washington State life insurance cannot be sold under the guise of a pension plan.

Beyond that, there are many things to keep in mind when looking for a low cost life insurance solution:

?Ask about coverage for your entire family. Although many parents aren’t keen on the idea of purchasing life insurance for their children, a whole family plan can actually be more affordable than an individual plan.

?Your hobbies can directly affect your life insurance premiums. Inquire with several different companies about whether your high-risk hobby will affect your rates.

?When gathering quotes ask about the history of each company. If the person you are dealing with is hesitant about supplying that information, research it on your own. Although a company may give you a very low quoted rate, if they have no reputation to stand on, it may not be the best choice.

Life insurance is a very big investment for most individuals. Not only does it amount to a payment each month or year but it’s also an investment in trust. Even though you obviously want the best rate you can possibly find, don’t cut corners by going with a company with no history to stand on. Invest in a policy that will pay-out when the time comes. The extra few dollars you’ll spend will be well worth it to your loved ones once you are gone.

Washington | Posted by admin

Tags: , , , ,

How To Compare Low Cost Automobile Insurance In Washington

March 11th, 2010
No Comments »

If you live in Washington State you’ve likely heard of the 25/50/10 coverage. This is reflective of the minimum amount of liability coverage you are mandated to have under state law. Most individuals see the value in having more but it comes at a cost. Finding the best insurance at the lowest price possible is the primary goal of any motorist.

Some tips that may prove fruitful when it comes to comparing insurance policies are:

?If a company gives you a quote that is well below any else, do some research. It’s important to check to ensure that the agent and the auto insurance company are licensed to do business in the State of Washington. You don’t want to get involved with a company that is operating illegitimately.

?Stick to your guns when asking for quotes. Many agents are very persuasive and will try and convince you that you need additional coverage. Ask for a quote for a specific amount of coverage from each agent and don’t be swayed.

?Ask about the accident procedure. Some insurance companies that offer low rates don’t offer the much needed support required after an accident. This can be a highly traumatic time for the policy holder, so you’ll want an agent who will be there for you.

?Inquire about having your policy renewed yearly as opposed to every six months. This can help by locking in a lower rate for a longer period of time.

Even though price is almost always the bottom line, the service provided comes a close second when it comes to automobile insurance. When asking for quotes take note of how the agent pays attention to your questions and requests. This can often be a good indicator of the type of service you’ll receive in the future.

Washington | Posted by admin

Tags: , , , ,

How To Save Money And Get Discount Health Insurance In Washington

March 10th, 2010
No Comments »

When a Washington state resident is shopping for health insurance there are a few things they need to keep in mind. In Washington the majority of people who apply for individual health care should be aware that they will need to complete a questionnaire. This is required in order to determine if they are eligible for coverage through WSHIP which is the Washington State Health Insurance Pool.

Beyond that the decision of which company to go with lies solely with the person seeking the insurance. To save money they may want to consider utilizing one of these methods:

?Buying a health insurance plan with a high deductible can yield a savings in monthly or yearly premiums.

?Purchasing a health insurance policy that has a cap on coverage can save money. This means that once the person reaches their limit on expenses, in their lifetime, the plan will not cover any additional health related expenses.

?If you rarely use prescription medications, consider buying coverage that doesn’t include this as a benefit. This can really lower the cost of the policy’s premiums.

?International coverage may be part of your health insurance plan. Inquire about having that benefit removed if you rarely travel.

?Taking out a policy while you are young, and in great health, can ensure lower premiums in the future.

The most important thing to bear in mind when you are shopping for individual health care is not to rush into anything. It’s imperative that you carefully consider the coverage you need and then seek out a policy that offers that at an affordable price. Paying for extras or taking the first plan offered will likely result in a much higher cost than is necessary. This is one area where almost everyone can afford to take their time so they make the wisest financial decision possible.

Washington | Posted by admin

Tags: , , , , ,

How To Find Affordable Automobile Insurance In Washington

March 10th, 2010
No Comments »

No one wants to pay more than they absolutely have to for automobile insurance. In Washington State many factors can play a part in your auto insurance premiums. By law, insurance companies in Washington can take many different things into consideration when giving you a quote. These range from your age to your credit history. Even though you can’t control some of these factors, there are things you can do to help ensure you find a more affordable rate.

The type of vehicle you drive obviously plays a huge part in determining how much you’ll ultimately pay in automobile insurance. Not only do some cars cost more to purchase, they also cost more to repair. Insurance companies realize this as well, and you may notice this reflected in your auto insurance premiums. Consider buying a more affordable car and watch your insurance rates drop.

Some auto insurance companies offer incentives, in the form of rebates, if you take extra precautions with your vehicle. Typically this means that if you install a car alarm, you may be eligible for a lowered premium. You’ll need to show proof of the alarm installation which might be an in-person visit to the insurance company’s office or perhaps a receipt for the work done. In either case, it’s worth asking about. Not only will you save some money in premiums, your car stands less of a chance of being broken into or stolen.

Ask any potential Washington auto insurance companies about a reduction in premiums if you take a higher deductible. Although this is going to cost you more in the event of an accident, overall it should yield an attractive savings in your annual insurance costs. Most policies come with a standard level of deductible, so make it a point to inquire before you agree to the policy.

Washington | Posted by admin

Tags: , , , ,

Washington D.c. Car Insurance – Where to Get the Best Rates

March 10th, 2010
No Comments »

Have you compared prices on your Washington D.C. car insurance lately? If you haven’t, you’re probably not getting the best rate you can. With a little fast and easy research, you can get the best rates and save hundreds of dollars on your auto insurance.

Visit an Insurance Comparison Website

To find the best rates on your Washington D.C. auto insurance, begin by visiting an insurance comparison website on the Internet. An insurance comparison website lets you quickly and easily compare auto insurance quotes so you know you’re getting the best rate.

If you have any questions about your auto insurance, the best insurance comparison websites have an online chat feature so you can get your questions answered by insurance professionals.

Complete your Insurance Information

At the insurance comparison website you’ll complete a form with information about your:

* Driving habits, such as the number of miles you drive each year and any tickets or accidents you’ve had.

* Vehicles, such as the year, make, model, and safety features.

* Personal information, such as your name, address, and age.

* Coverage amounts you want. The higher you set your coverage limits, the higher your rate will be.

* Deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage. The higher you set your deductibles, the lower your rate will be. If your auto is more than five years old, you may want to drop comprehensive and collision coverage altogether.

Compare Your Quotes and Choose the Best Rate

Once you’ve completed your form, you’ll soon have multiple auto insurance quotes from A-rated companies to choose from. You can then compare the quotes and choose the company with the best one.

By taking a few minutes to shop around and compare quotes, you’ll be able to find the best Washington D.C. car insurance rate.

Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com or click on the following link to get Washington D.C car insurance quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more car insurance tips in their Articles section.

Washington | Posted by admin

Tags: , , , ,

Washington Homeowners Insurance – How to Get the Best Rate

March 10th, 2010
No Comments »

Looking for Washington homeowners insurance? Want to get the best rate with an A-rated insurance company? Here’s how to do it.

Washington Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is a must for all Washington home owners. It protects you and your family from unexpected losses and gives you protection in case of a liability lawsuit.

There are three things to consider when choosing homeowners insurance in Washington – coverage, cost, and company.

Coverage

When it comes to coverage you want to make sure you can rebuild your home if it’s destroyed, and replace your personal belongings if they’re damaged.

Mortgage lenders require that you purchase homeowners insurance based on the appraised value or the purchase price of your home. But this is not the amount of coverage you need. You’re better off finding out how much it would cost to rebuild your home from a local builder then insuring it for that amount.

When it comes to insuring your personal property, insurers use one of two methods: 1. Actual cash value pays you the value of an item minus depreciation for the years you owned it. 2. Replacement cost pays the full value of your property. Replacement cost is more expensive, but worth it in the long run.

Cost

Get quotes from several companies. There are websites where you can get quotes from a number of different insurance companies so you can compare rates. Some of theses sites even provide a chat service so you can talk with an insurance professional and get answers to your questions. (See link below.)

Raise your deductible. You can save money on your premiums by increasing your insurance deductibles, but you’ll have to pay more if you have a claim.

Ask your agent about discounts. Most companies offer discounts for having both your auto and homeowners insurance with them, for having security and safety features installed, for having a good claims history, and for a variety of other reasons.

Company

In addition to getting the best insurance rate you can, you also want to make sure you’re getting a reliable company.

Check with your state’s department of insurance website to make sure that the company you’re considering has a good reputation and will pay your claims. Then check A.M. Best’s website (ambest.com) to see their financial rating.

Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com/homeowners-insurance.html or click on the following link to get Washington homeowners insurance quotes from top homeowners insurance companies and see how much you can save. You can get more insurance tips in their Articles section.

Washington | Posted by admin

Tags: , , , ,

Where to Get Low Cost Health Insurance in Washington

March 9th, 2010
No Comments »

Is it possible to get low cost health insurance in Washington? The numbers seem to say no. Health insurance premiums increased by 19-24 percent each year from 1997-2001. However, you can still find low cost health insurance if you know where to look.

Explore State Sponsored Programs

Washington offers several state-sponsored programs to help low-income residents afford health insurance:

* Washington Basic Health program, which provides reduced-cost health care coverage through private health plans to Washington state residents who don’t qualify for Medicare, but meet the Basic Health program financial guidelines. Monthly premiums for this program are based on age, income, family size, and health plan chosen.

For more information on this program go to: basichealth.hca.wa.gov

* Washington State Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provides free or low-cost health insurance for children.

For more information on this program go to: fortress.wa.gov/dshs/maa/chip

* Washington State Health Insurance Pool provides health insurance to Washington residents who have been denied coverage through private health insurance companies.

For more information on this program go to: www.wship.org

Do Some Comparison Shopping

If you don’t qualify for any of these state-sponsored health plans, you’ll need to explore private health insurance. The best way to find an affordable private health insurance plan is to use an insurance comparison website to compare rates. You’ll find that insurance companies have different prices for similar insurance policies. Therefore, you can save hundreds of dollars a year by comparison shopping.

On an insurance comparison website you’ll fill out a simple form with information about yourself and your health insurance needs. Then you’ll receive quotes from multiple A-rated insurance companies.

You may have questions about your health insurance options, so look for an insurance comparison website that offers an online chat feature. With this feature, you can talk with insurance professionals and get answers to all your health insurance questions (see link below).

Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com/health-insurance.html or click on the following link to get low cost Washington health insurance quotes and see how much you can save. You can also get more insurance tips there.

Washington | Posted by admin

Tags: , , ,

Washington Insurance Continuing Education

March 6th, 2010
No Comments »

Confidentiality to the Insurance Prospect

In attempting to qualify a prospect completing a financial questionnaire, analyzing needs, etc., insurance agents are privy to an applicant’s personal and financial information. Personal information about a client should never be released without the prior approval from the client.

Full Disclosure

The agent not only has the responsibility of full disclosure to the insurer but also to the prospect or client.

In this situation, full disclosure means informing the prospect or client of all facts involving a specific policy so an informed decision may be made. This also accomplishes other goals as it helps clients:

•    Evaluate the relative costs of similar plans offered by a competitor.

•    Understand the basic features of insurance.

•    Select the most appropriate policy to meet the needs of the prospect/client.

•    There are two guides that are used by agents to help them comply with full disclosure

1.         NAIC Buyer’s Guide which was developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as an aid to consumers who are thinking about the purchase of life insurance.  It explains the basic types of life insurance and provides the consumer with suggestions to aid in its purchase.  Included in the Buyer’s Guide is an explanation of the surrender cost indexes used in the Policy Summary.

2.       The Policy Summary includes two types of cost indexes; the life insurance surrender cost index and the life insurance net payment cost index.  The surrender cost index is useful to applicants who wish to compare cash values of policies.  The net payment index is helpful when a person compares the death benefits of policies.  Both guides are helpful to agents who wish to explain the features and benefits of the life insurance policy they are presenting.

The underwriting process for an insurance application can take time.  Most companies try to complete their underwriting process in 21 days, however, delays may occur.  Delays such as request for more information from the applicant, doctor reports, etc.  An agent should keep the applicant informed as to the process of the application.  For this reason, it is imperative that the agent be prompt in sending the application, after a thorough review, to the insurer.  Many underwriting delays occur simply because the application is not complete.

When an application is accepted, the agent should deliver the policy promptly.  At delivery the agent should review the policy’s features and benefits.  This will help solidify the sale and also convert the policy-owner into a client.

When an applicant is rated or declined, the agent is responsible to find out the reasons for such action.  Was it medical? Was it something that was overlooked by the underwriter?  Should additional information be provided?  In any event, the agent should be prepared to explain the rating or rejection to the client.

Assuming the rating or rejection is valid, the agent has the ethical responsibility to notify the client promptly.

Washington Insurance Continuing Education

Insurance Continuing Education

Washington | Posted by admin

Tags: , , ,