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Friday, February 20, 2009

Auto Insurance

From the Hoss's Mouth


Auto insurance is the feature article in today's edition of Hoss Cents Free Financial money magazine.


auto insurance
We purchase auto insurance to protect ourselves against unforeseen but not unpredictable events. Auto insurance can be costly, but there are ways to provide adequate protection while paying reasonable premiums.

Before purchasing insurance you should do extensive research and choose an appropriately licensed agent or broker who takes the time to first understand your auto insurance needs then recommends appropriate policy options. In addition s/he must fully explain your policy and coverage in clear, precise language. If s/he is not willing to do this, find another agent.

In most jurisdictions there is basic (mandatory) auto insurance and optional auto insurance. The type of basic insurance required varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction but almost always includes:

Third Party Liability: If you injure someone else or damage their property in a motor vehicle crash and are held legally responsible, third party liability coverage pays their claims on your behalf, up to the specified limit shown in your policy.

Accident Benefits: If you are injured in a crash, you receive financial help with your medical rehabilitation and/or wage loss expenses. Also, in the event of death, funeral costs and death benefits are provided. The total amount of coverage will be outlined in your policy.

The optional insurance includes but is not limited to:

Collision: Usually covers damage to your car from impact with another vehicle, person, object or the surface of the road.

Comprehensive: Comprehensive insurance covers loss or damage to your vehicle by most causes except those covered by collision insurance. For example: fire, theft and vandalism. Check your policy for a complete list.

Auto insurance is a complex matter, and The Hoss is sure that by now you understand why you must work with a fully licensed agent who can fully explain all your options. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about increasing your deductibles, getting a package deal with your house, or if you own a car that is not worth a lot of money, carrying only the basic mandatory insurance.
These are all ways to reduce your premium.

You can also reduce auto insurance premiums by having an accident-free and conviction-free track record, and by reducing the number of kilometers (miles) you drive per year.

Safe driving.


Stay on track,

The Hoss

Next Hoss Cents Free Financial Money Magazine Post
: Home Insurance
Previous Post: Permanent Life Insurance

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Permanent Life Insurance

From the Hoss's Mouth


The previous Hoss Cents Free Financial Money Magazine post explained term life insurance. Today's post outlines what is referred to as permanent life insurance.
There are three fundamental types of permanent life insurance: whole life insurance, universal life insurance and variable life insurance.

permanent life insurance

Whole Life Insurance: The policy is for the life of the insured. This type of policy has fixed premiums in exchange for a fixed benefit. A whole life insurance policy also permits the ensured to surrender the policy at any time for a cash amount which is usually less than the face value of the policy. In addition, surrender charges may apply.

Universal Life Insurance: For people who desire an investment avenue as well as a life insurance policy. Part of your premium goes towards life insurance (with a set benefit) and any portion over what is required as a life insurance premium is invested to provide an equity buildup. Premium payments above the cost of insurance are credited to the cash value, which overtime should increase. You do have a guaranteed minimum death benefit and a policyholder is allowed to accumulated interest to help pay premiums.

Variable Life Insurance: A type of cash-value insurance that permits the insurer to allocate a portion of their premium dollars to a separate account comprised of various investments, such as stocks, bonds, and/or mutual funds. Poor performance of these investments could cause the cash and/or death benefit to decline.

Remember, before you invest in a permanent life insurance policy, make sure you fully understand all the terms and conditions of the policy. Permanent life insurance policies can be extremely complex, and the small print must be read carefully.

The Hoss also says: pay your premiums on time. You do not want your policy to lapse.
Recommended sites:

Investopedia

Bankrate


Stay on track,

The Hoss

Next Hoss Cents Free Financial Money Magazine Post: Car Insurance
Previous Post: Life Insurance

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Life insurance

From the Hoss's Mouth


Life insurance, what exactly is life insurance and do I need it?

Hoss Cents Free Financial Money Magazine
will provide you with information that will help you with your life insurance assessment.


Term Life Insurance

There are two basic forms of life insurance: term life insurance and permanent life insurance.

Today's Hoss Cents Free Financial Money Magazine will concentrate on term life insurance with the next issue being devoted to permanent life insurance.

The first question you need to ask is do I need life insurance? If you are single with no dependents you, in all likelihood, do not require life insurance. What money you would pay in premiums could be utilized in other areas of your financial plans. Similarly, if you are a very wealth person, life insurance would be of little benefit.
On the other hand, if you are married, with or without dependents, or have someone else who depends on you for financial support, you should purchase life insurance.

Term life insurance is the most fundamental form of life insurance.

Term life insurance is for a defined period of time. The insured pays a fixed premium annually. If you die during that period, the beneficiary or beneficiaries collects a certain agreed upon amount. Term life insurance provides the most coverage for the least cost. If you do not die, you may be wondering what happens to all that money you paid in in the form of premiums over the years...well, it belongs to the insurance company. Some of it is used to pay claims and expenses and some goes toward company profits. Makes you wonder how an insurance company can ever go broke and require a bail out package from the government.

The Hoss reminds you not to let your life insurance premiums lapse, as claims will only be paid if the premiums are fully paid up to date and the term has not expired.

How much life insurance do I need?

That is the million dollar question. There is no one answer. How much you need depends on an individual's situation. For example, will your dependents (spouse, children or others) have enough funds from your life insurance policy to maintain a good standard of living and satisfy debts and future financial needs? There are many formulas available to help calculate how much life insurance you should purchase, but one size does not fit all; and only you can determine the appropriate amount for your circumstances. Remember, the objective of life insurance is to provide your dependents with financial security if you should die. Do not under estimate your life insurance
needs.


Stay on track,

The Hoss

Next Hoss Cents Free Financial Money Magazine Post: Permanent Life Insurance
Previous Post: Insurance, Insurance, Insurance

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