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Bodily Injury Policy (BI) Liability Insurance Coverage

Obtaining a Bodily Injury Policy is something every auto owner should prioritize. The fact is that no matter how careful a person is, there are times when accidents become unavoidable. If this is the case, then it only makes sense for individuals to protect themselves against any expenses that could stack up against them. This is exactly where Bodily Injury insurance comes in.

What is Bodily Injury Policy?

Bodily Injury liability is one of the two sections of Auto Liability insurance. As the name suggests, this particular policy protects the holder should they find themselves liable for any body injury or even death.

Specifically, this particular policy covers majority of the expenses a person might incur as a result of physical harm. Payment would typically be provided for medical bill, pain, suffering or even loss of income due to extensive body damage. In some cases, it might even cover expenses for a lawsuit filed against the policy holder. Note that the Bodily Injury policy is not meant for the vehicle or the policy holder. Instead, the coverage is for any individual who has been inadvertently hurt by the policy holder during an auto accident.

Types of Bodily Injury Policy

There are basically two ways of getting a Bodily Injury Policy. Typically, this is bundled together with Property Damage Liability meant to cover property damages caused by auto accidents. In some cases however, BI is singled out which means that the policy holder wouldn’t need to purchase both separately. It is important to note that BI and PD are mandatory in most States today which means that it’s not possible to purchase one without having the other.

How to Choose a Bodily Injury Policy

Considering how important this is, it only makes sense for people to mull the idea over before making a decision. Ideally, individuals should browse around to find the best policy that would meet their needs. Note that since this is mandatory, the authorities cite a specific limit for the coverage. Ideally, policy holders should follow the 100/300 coverage. This means that there should be around $100,000 for every person and $300,000 for every accident encountered. Higher amount is recommended although the 100/300 rule is the most used one nowadays.

Consequences of Not Having BI Policy

Policy holders are encouraged to get a policy that would allow them to go as high as possible. This is because should they be involved in any accident, the cost of covering body injury caused to someone could amount to thousands if not millions. When not addressed correctly, this could actually force an individual into bankruptcy. With the proper coverage however, the liabilities become limited, allowing individuals to live relatively normal lives financial-wise.

However, that’s not the only reason why a Bodily Injury is so important. As already mentioned, this is actually mandatory in most states. Hence, not having one would expose individuals into more penalties which would end with the individual getting the policy after all. Simply put, skipping this particular coverage is not really worth the amount of trouble it would cost.

With numerous providers today, it shouldn’t be hard for individuals to find a BI coverage that would fit their needs. Note that the cost of the policy may vary from one person to another. When it comes to this however, individuals with a good driving history are usually the ones with the best chances of getting an affordable policy.

Property Damage Liability Insurance Coverage

Property Damage PD Liability Insurance is one of the two elements of Auto Insurance together with Bodily Injury. In most states, this coverage is actually mandatory which isn’t really surprising considering how important it is for drivers.

What is Property Damage?

First off, it is important to note that Property Damage coverage doesn’t refer to the property relating to the policy holder. Typically, this covers the expenses a policy holder is expected to pay as penance for property damage done by him. Hence, the insurance is meant for a third person during an accident.

As the name suggests, Property Damage is mostly concerned about properties as opposed to Bodily Injury which is focused on a person’s well being. Specifically, this coverage pays for any damage caused to the car of the other driver. Any other personal property that might have been harmed during the impact could also be included in the coverage of the insurance. Even buildings, fences or parts of the home fall within this category.

How Does It Work?

Like BI, Property Damage comes with a limit that the insurance holder and company agree on beforehand. The amount is usually less than the price prescribed for Bodily Insurance policies.

The method of availing this insurance type may also vary from one provider to another. For example, some policies sell Bodily Injury and Property Damage as a bundle. This means that the policy covers both of them and would require only one payment. However, others sell them per-piece, allowing individuals to be more flexible with the amounts they choose.

Since auto insurance is mandatory for most states, it’s impossible not to own a car without obtaining this coverage. Penalties are awarded to anyone who disobeys the policies regarding auto insurance.

How to Determine Personal Damage Insurance

Personal Damage could amount to thousands of dollars depending on the amount of breakage that occurred. Typically though, states require a minimum amount for policy holders which are why it is important to consult beforehand. Usually, the amount is lower than the BI limit which is $100,000 for every person.

Currently, there are online calculators that could provide individuals with a good idea of how much they need for their policy.

How to Choose and Lower PD Policies

Like most insurance types, PD policies have premiums that depend on several factors. One of the most common ones includes the policy holder’s driving history. A commendable driving history with very little accidents and infractions makes it possible for individuals to ask for lower rates. Even driving cars that are known for their safety could help applicants into getting budget-friendly policies for their insurance. Make sure to browse through several insurance providers before ultimately making a choice about which one to consider.

Importance of Personal Damage Insurance

Of course, some people can’t help but question the existence of this type of policy. The fact is that some individuals are more concerned with protecting themselves rather than other people during the accident. Indirectly however, this is exactly what Property Damage does. See, in the event that expensive damage is done to property, the owners have every right to go after the individual who caused it. The absence of PD insurance could jeopardize a person’s personal assets, forcing them to bankruptcy. With insurance however, the blow will be cushioned, allowing the policy holder to deal with the situation better, money-wise.

Factors to Take Note When Buying Commercial Car Insurance

Insuring vehicles used for commercial purposes is an important aspect of any business expense. Commercial vehicles are likely to be on the road for a longer period, which is why they tend to attract higher insurance premiums. There are several factors to consider before you intend to purchase commercial car insurance.

Businesses with a number of vehicles and drivers ought to opt for fleet insurance. This type of insurance is much cheaper than insuring individual vehicles. However, it is important to understand that the number of vehicles required to be eligible for fleet insurance differs among insurance companies. It is mandatory for commercial vehicles to have liability insurance. Most policies include comprehensive coverage and collision damage as well. You will need to talk to your insurance provider for provisions such as loss of cargo that may be damaged or lost during transportation in the vehicle. When purchasing commercial car insurance it is mandatory to provide a list of names of the drivers to the insurance company who will scrutinize their driving records. Therefore, it would be prudent to engage drivers with a good driving history otherwise premiums could get costlier. While some may offer higher premiums others may even reject the application for a policy.

While fleet insurance may be the perfect choice for businesses with a large amount of vehicles, there are also commercial car insurance policies designed for those with a smaller fleet. This type of insurance is available for only specific types of vehicles so you will need to check with your provider prior to opting for one. It would be prudent to speak to an experienced broker or agent to get the best type of policy to suit your requirements. An additional way to keep commercial car insurance low is to install anti-theft and safety features such as immobilizers, air bags, GPS tracking, alarms, and more.

For owners of commercial vehicles it would be prudent to select mid-priced vehicles to lower insurance rates. On the other hand, businesses that engage drivers that own their vehicles can end up with lower insurance rates. Deductibles are another important aspect of commercial auto insurance. If you can pay a higher deductible your premiums will be much lower. Just make sure the amount of deductible is what your business can afford to come up with upfront in case of any claim filed by you. If your employees drive their own vehicles during business hours it is important to purchase adequate liability coverage for each individual.

Why Do You Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Worker’s compensation insurance is something every business should obtain regardless of how big or small they are. This particular coverage is designed to make sure that employees receive ample compensation for any injuries they might encounter on the job. At the same time, it provides protection for the company, saving them from possible expenses for reparation.

What Is Covered by Worker’s Compensation?

Workers compensation covers a wide array of work-related problems that the employee might encounter. These include temporary and permanent disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, supplemental job displacement benefits and death benefits.

Dynamics of Worker’s Compensation

Worker’s Compensation is considered to be mandatory in all states. However, the glitch here is that “worker’s compensation” only applies to employees of the business. This means that individual contractors are not really covered by this requirement, allowing businesses to skip the purchase of the insurance.

Importance of Worker’s Compensation

Typically, this kind of insurance is something that should be bought differently and apart from other coverage. Note that aside from being mandatory, most States cite a specific minimum amount for employers. Not adhering to these requirements would result to severe penalties from the authorities.

However, that’s not the main reasons why this type of insurance is incredibly vital for companies. The fact is that Worker’s Compensation doesn’t just cover the big stuff but also everyday accidents that could be draining to the company when added up together. For example, an employee who encounters a car accident while pursuing a business transaction would be covered by this insurance. Aside from the medical bills and salary during their incapacitation, the insurance could also cover payment for any property damage done depending on the coverage of the policy. Note that Worker’s Compensation is not a substitute for medical insurance. Instead, it is only applicable in situations where a person is injured while in the process of performing their job.

Employees versus Independent Contractors

The most important thing about Worker’s Compensation is the definition of “workers”. Note that although mandatory, different States have different definitions for “employees”. Typically, this refers to anyone who is under the company’s direct rule. The business must be able to command all of the employee’s time and work as opposed to an independent contractor where an agreement is only met. Hence, there’s a good chance that the contractor is bound to service different clients unlike that of a regular employee. If this is the case then a business would not be required to purchase Worker’s Compensation for those individuals.

Buying Worker’s Compensation

When buying Worker’s Compensation insurance, it is vital for businesses to obtain the coverage from a trustworthy provider. Make sure to thoroughly study the policy and find out if the insurance company has had a good reputation in the business. Keep in mind that indirectly, Worker’s Compensation is meant to protect the business and should therefore be carefully picked by the management.

Worker’s Compensation Tips

Employers are advised to thoroughly explain Worker’s Compensation for their employees. This would allow them to feel secure while at the same time let them know what they could and could not claim for. These rules and regulations may vary from one state to another. For employees or anyone applying to a company, it is important to find out beforehand the kind of compensation provided by the business.

Why Auto Insurance Rates Increase Every Year?

Considering how important auto insurance is, it isn’t surprising that more and more people are having their cars insured every year. Unfortunately, rates for car insurance increase every year, making it harder for individuals to obtain protection for themselves. With the economy as it is, most aren’t really surprised by this development. However, what others don’t realize is that there are numerous factors contributing this effect any by knowing them, there’s a good chance that policy holders could manipulate how their rates turn out.

That being said, following are some of the factors that affect insurance rates today.

Rising Medical Expenses

Even with more and more individuals filing less claims, insurance companies are having a hard time meeting all financial demands. The main reason for this is the fact that medical bills are getting more and more expensive. Statistics show that insurers could pay as much as $20 billion in medical costs for just one year. Hospitalizations and medications are typically the ones that are really eating up the finances.

Older Cars

Even with safer models out today, policy holders rarely change their car every time they renew their insurance. Companies therefore expect older cars to be more accident prone and necessitate more repairs. Since they have been used for long periods of time, there’s a bigger chance of breaking down, therefore necessitating a claim.

Driver Age

Studies show that the age and gender of the driver are driving factors when it comes to insurance rates. Typically, it is the males in their 20’s that suffer through the worst rates while individuals in their 40’s enjoy the best prices. This is because the younger generation is more likely to suffer through accidents due to recklessness. Older individuals, on the other hand, are more careful but still have the necessary reflexes to smoothly manipulate the vehicle. Note that when a person steps at the age of 50 or more, the insurance rates can start going back up.

Driving History

Individuals who have had accidents over the past years would definitely suffer through higher rates during renewal. It’s a practical move for the insurance provider as there’s a large chance that the person would encounter auto problems again in the future. Even the traffic and accident history in a person’s city could also be a factor in situations like this.

Insurance Policy Changes

In some cases, the insurance company themselves change their policies to adapt to the current market. This usually happens when they find themselves paying out more than what they are taking in. Considering the economy nowadays, the chances of this happening is very high, forcing individuals to settle for exorbitant rates every time they renew or obtain new insurance.

How to Decrease Auto Insurance Rates

Of course, that doesn’t mean that individuals don’t have the chance to decrease their rates. By knowing exactly how to approach their insurance provider, it’s perfectly possible to obtain a reasonable rate for renewal.

First off, insurance holders must take advantage of their renewal discount. This is typically offered by companies for their older clients. Being a responsible driver would also be vital in lowering rates. If a person has a good track record as a driver, then they would be in the position to bargain or ask for a rate that they prefer. Keeping one’s car in top shape and purchasing something specially for safety could also sway insurance providers into granting lower rates.

What do You Need to Know About Cell Phone Insurance?

Because of the increasing number of mobile phone theft incidents at present, it is a good idea to get an insurance coverage for your mobile phone. This is something that you should do especially if you own any of those feature-packed and expensive smartphones. Bear in mind that criminals are always around, and ready to grab any opportunity that will allow them to steal or rob your favorite gadget. This is a huge loss on your part especially if you have stored a lot of essential data in your phone. The hundreds of dollars that you have spent just to own the gadget can also be put to waste. Although some mobile phone manufacturers use software such as mobile tracker as a means of security for the devices, you should know that getting insurance for your phone is one of the best ways to get compensation for its loss due to stealing.

Aside from giving you compensation when you have lost your phone through theft, a mobile phone insurance can also help you out in case of the loss of your mobile phone due to other events like riots, fire, terrorist activities, strikes, accident, malicious damage and any other fortuitous circumstances. It should also be noted that there are two basic types of mobile phone insurance plans. The first one is that which allows you to receive a handset which has a value equal to your lost phone. The other insurance plan allows you to receive financial compensation for the lost phone. However, you should also take note that you can never get the benefits provided by your insurance company if it has been proven that the loss is due to your carelessness. This is the main reason why you need to still take care of your phone even if you have an insurance coverage.

The good thing about trying to get mobile phone insurance is that unlike other types of insurance, you do not have to meet specific requirements such as those that relate to age, work, current income, sex and other standard demographics. You can even get the insurance right after you purchase your phone. All that you have to do is to ask for insurance from the person or company where you bought your new gadget. It is advisable for you to look for a mobile phone insurance which offers premiums that are lesser when compared to the total insurance.

When trying to get an insurance policy for your phone, you are also advised to look for a reputable company. You have to do your research first so you will know which among the providers of mobile insurance can offer you the best deal. You should also avoid getting swayed by persistent shopkeepers who may continue to persuade you into trying a particular provider. There are risks that these companies will just vanish after taking a hold of your money so you have to be careful. Go for those that have received great reviews to guarantee your safety. You should also consider going for a mobile insurance plan which also pays for all the data you store in your gadget. Even if there is a huge chance that you will be asked to pay for a higher premium, you should know that being able to back up all the data in your phone with the help of an online backup service is all worth it.

Mobile Insurance: What You Need to Know

When it comes to finding the best manufactured or mobile home insurance policies, people often make the mistake of subscribing to common myths and fallacies that come with the territory. As a matter of fact, a lot of people do not even know that companies offer mobile insurance policies. If you are in the market for a mobile home, it is imperative that you take the time to look through the various coverage policies that you may use to protect yourself and your assets. The process will be just the same as that of signing up for the other kinds of policies, but you will have to consider some additional issues as well. Here are some pieces of information that you need to know about mobile insurance policies, for you to be able to pick out the best one in the market.

For one, you have to understand that the best mobile insurance policy will not only protect the over-all structure of your assets, but will also lend a certain amount of coverage to the rest of your personal possessions as well. After all, if something were to happen to your mobile home, there is a chance that the rest of your belongings will be in on the problem as well. Having said this, you need to limit your options among policies that will lend the necessary amount of coverage to your personal assets too. This way, you will be able to ensure that you will not have anything to worry about in case an unfortunate event takes place.

What most people do not know about mobile insurance policies is that this kind of insurance policies usually includes liability clauses that will help you ensure that you will get pretty much all your bases covered. In case somebody gets hurt because of the unfortunate incident that took place in your area of liability, you will get the help that you need in tending to the consequences that you have caused others. For example, you will be able to get the money that you need to cover the medical expenses of other people, in case the incident inflicts any harm on any of your neighbours. In addition to this, you will also be able to ensure that you will be able to get the legal help that you need in case you get sued. A mobile insurance policy should not only protect your belongings, but should also give you the assistance that you need in attending to the rest of the consequences that you will have to deal with.

In addition to all these, you also have to understand that any mobile insurance policy that does not include the immediate vicinity of your mobile home in the insurance coverage is not worth your money. After all, you will have a hard time in living comfortably if your immediate vicinity is almost uninhabitable. If you find that your current policy does not include this clause, then make sure that you make the necessary arrangements to improve your coverage.

Multiple Motorcycle Insurance Quotes Saves Money

Because of the increasing gasoline prices, there is a great possibility that you are one of those who want to purchase a motorcycle. Aside from being smaller, you can also use it almost anywhere, while providing you the kind of fun and excitement that you need when driving. Owning a motorcycle is one of the best ways for you to take complete control over your gasoline budget. But you have to make sure that you are also planning to buy a motorcycle insurance policy before you ever buy your own motorcycle, use your helmet and start driving. This is a major help in your attempt to protect yourself financially in the case of inevitable incidents that cause a lot of damages to your motorcycle. But you should know that you have a lot of options when it comes to this type of insurance. This is the main reason why you should invest a lot of time during the research and selection process.

The good thing about trying to get motorcycle insurance is that you can easily get multiple quotes online. All that you have to do is to browse the internet for companies that offer insurance and request for quotes. You should also know that there are websites out there that are designed specifically to gather quotes from a number of sources. What you need to do to take advantage of their services is to fill out an online form. After filling out and submitting the form, you can expect the website to start marketing for multiple quotes and give it to you within just a few seconds. This is extremely useful in your attempt to gather information fast and compare each of your choices. You no longer need to spend countless hours talking with insurance service providers on the telephone or finding obscure information over the internet. You can also save a substantial amount as you no longer need to spend a lot of money and time comparing different providers and choosing that which is most suitable for you.

Another advantage of getting multiple motorcycle quotes online is that you no longer need to undergo the process of personally answering the somewhat difficult questions that are usually raised by most insurance providers when you request for quotes. You can also prevent those instances when these providers continue to badger you for several months with quotes that you are not actually asking for. The reason behind this is that requesting for online quotes does not require you to provide any personal information. The only thing that the website will ask you is your valid e-mail address as this is where they will send the quotes that you are asking for. You can also avoid facing a lot of frustration because you no longer need to spend a lot of time, money and gasoline just to get a quote for your motorcycle.

You should also pick the most ideal insurance coverage for your motorcycle. One of your best choices is the liability coverage. This type of policy covers body injury to someone and damages to the property every time you deal with an accident. You may also choose collision coverage which helps you pay for the repair of your property in case of damages. Just gather accurate multiple quotes for these policies and you will be on your way towards picking the best choice.

Consider Ways to Save on Your Condo Insurance

A condo insurance is a major help in your attempt to get back on your own feet after your apartment or condominium unit has been shattered by theft, fire or any other inevitable disaster covered in your policy. The insurance will compensate you for your damaged or lost personal possessions, help you in the structural improvements of your unit and provide you additional living expenses after the disaster. Your chosen policy is also capable of providing you liability protection. But before you ever purchase this type of insurance, you have to become aware of a few tips that can help you save on its cost. Here are some of the most effective ones:

1. Read and fully understand the fine print. Avoid making assumptions about anything related to the insurance. You have to completely understand the insurance contract before putting your signature in it so you will become aware of your own responsibilities and the specific areas where you can hold the condo owner’s association responsible. This is also important in ensuring that you will never be over or under insured. This means that you will get a policy which covers all the things that you really need.

2. Look for a policy which covers unit or loss assessment. This coverage offers you reimbursement for paying a share of the assessment which is supposed to be charged to all the current unit owners of the building due to damages caused by a disaster. An example of this is your share in the total cost in repairing the damage in the lobby of the building in case of fire. If your insurance covers loss assessment, then you will get a reimbursement for this payment.

3. Seek the advice of insurance professionals. You have to look for someone who is an expert in the field of insurance and ask him about anything related to the type of policy that you are planning to buy. Working with an expert allows you to gather high quality insurance information that will help you in formulating the most sound decision. An insurance professional can also help you out in your attempt to gather relevant information about the most recent discount tips and the things that you can do to get the best insurance service and coverage at an affordable price.

4. Find out if your homeowner’s association is already providing you a specific type of insurance. Most homeowner’s associations offer a Master insurance policy but it rarely covers damages for interior spaces and personal properties. However, you have to take note of the fact that most of these policies cover condo owner’s liability. You have to figure out the specific restrictions in this policy so you will know exactly what you need and save a substantial amount because you will buy that which only covers what is necessary.

5. Shop for insurance quotes online. You should consider using an online referral service as this will allow you to obtain numerous quotes while also reducing overhead costs when looking for a policy. This is also a major help in comparing the services offered by the different providers of condo insurance. With the help of an online referral service, you can also easily talk to your agents about everything related to the policy you are planning to buy including its coverage limitations, deductibles and premiums without leaving your home.

Why You Need Proof of Car Insurance Coverage

Hundreds and hundreds of car owners are in the habit of bringing their car out for a spin without bearing proof of their auto insurance policy. Believe it or not, you will not be able to understand the importance of bringing your proof of car insurance coverage with you all the time until you get on the bad side of the law. Having said this, you have to see to it that you will be bringing your proof of insurance coverage along with you no matter where you go. After all, you have nothing to lose by doing so. All you would have to do is to keep your auto insurance proof hidden in your car drawer to save yourself from a lot of trouble in the future.

If you get into any kind of trouble, and if a police officer pulls you over for one reason or another, there is a big possibility that he will want to see proofs of your records of owning the vehicle, including your car insurance coverage proof. Failing to present this kind of proof will cause you a ton of problems. Are you skeptical about this? You shouldn’t, because a big percentage of drivers have lost their license because of this seemingly simple mistake. In worse cases, there are even reports of cars being confiscated from their owners simply because of the lack of this kind of proof. In order to ensure that you will not have to deal with these of problems, you should see to it that you keep a copy of your car insurance proof in your vehicle all the time.

Having proof of your car insurance policy with you all the time will also make it easier for you to get the help that you need in case you get into a car accident. In addition to allowing you to ensure that you will be able to tend to the consequences of the accidents properly, you will also have peace of mind in knowing that you will be able to tend to the damages that you caused the other vehicle involved in the incident as well. You will be able to save a good amount of money in case of an accident, simply by having your car insurance proof with you all the time.

These are only among the most common benefits that you stand to gain by carrying around your car insurance coverage proof along with you all the time. If you find that you have lost your proof, for some reason or another, then you need to contact your car insurance coverage provider at once and have a new one drawn up. Make sure that you go through the necessary steps as soon as possible, for you to avoid whatever problems in the future. You will only be carrying a few more pieces of paper in your car cabinet, but you will be able to boost the level of safety that you and your car will be covered with when you go on the road.