Weather damage has been a typical occurrence all over the world. It strikes any moment that your properties can vanish in just a splash of an eye. Our vehicle has been a victim of natural calamities. Car insurances widely help in taking responsibility to settle the costs of weather damages. Comprehensive insurance is one type of car insurance deductible that centers on weather damage concerns of vehicles, cases of car getting hit by animal and other unrelated collisions. This insurance deductible shall cover the injuries of your vehicle and additional properties harmed.

It is favorable that comprehensive claims do not have an effect on your insurance premiums. But, filing comprehensive claims has limits according to the insurance company’s guidelines. Some companies permit a consumer to file comprehensive claims before increasing auto insurance rates. On the other hand, some insurance groups agree to engage to four or more claims before expanding your car insurance rates. Knowing the borderline of your comprehensive claims will promote better understanding on the condition of your car insurance rates. Auto insurance groups review each claim filed. They study closely the flow of weather damage tendencies.  This becomes their means in establishing auto insurance rates. Car insurance companies increase rates in most natural calamity prone areas so it is ideal to decide according to your financial capacity to restore injuries or to have your car insured despite of its increased rates. Otherwise, a consumer can seek for the lowest insurance rates to lessen the car insurance burden. However, least expensive insurance rates must also be reviewed before purchase. Bear in mind that your rates signify your character as a driver amidst the weather damages. Truly, the proliferation of weather damage strongly influences auto insurance rates. Residences with constant flooding, typhoons, heavy winds and severe weather conditions yield to raise premium in vehicle insurances. The growth of crimes in your area poses greater tendency of car napping. Auto insurance rates are then regulated by insurance companies. Climate change has affected the lives of consumers and practically altered insurance policies. Since climate change was dominating, insurance companies increased their rates to new clients. Furthermore, the active consumers shall experience an increase in auto insurance rates the succeeding time insurance standard is evaluated.

Hence, weather damage affects and alters car insurance rates. Theft, snowstorms, floods, hurricanes, vandalism on vehicles and other natural calamities were some of apparent conditions which influenced auto insurance rates. It is evident that car insurance premiums rise not only due to weather damage but also because insurance companies will necessitate more resources to settle the boosting of claims during the natural catastrophe. In choosing for car insurance quotes, one must ensure that its designated policy includes covering the costs against weather damage. In addition, the finest approach to neutralize our natural phenomenon is immediate preparation. An individual must be updated with climate issues to plan for evacuation. Vehicles can be moved in elevated areas free from landslides. The attachment of protective devices on your cars can also aid to its safety.

Countless travelers are either unsure or totally unaware on their car insurance coverage when it comes to a vehicle rental. A lot of consumers are just so confused and are so ignorant on their insurance. These same consumers always end up wasting money by purchasing unnecessary insurance they thought they didn’t already have with their existing one. Before you purchase or pay for anything check first if your own personal car insurance program can provide adequate coverage without you buying any other additional insurance. Many credit cards offer some protection but it is usually secondary to your personal one.

Before availing auto insurance for rental cars make yourself familiar with the options first. If you have an existing and outstanding personal car insurance verify with your insurance company or call your agent to see if the rental vehicle will be covered in your personal policy as well. Check with your credit card company too, a phone call will always be cheaper than purchasing insurance you already have coverage for. Of course if you use your personal insurance, the usual coverage will apply to the rental car.

If you do happen to purchase auto insurance from the rental car provider, your personal policy will then be secondary. Before your personal policy covers for charges, the rental car insurance will pay first. Like any other car insurance this will also be subject to a deductible. Checking first with your primary insurance provider lessens the risks of duplicating a coverage you already have. This will save you from an unnecessary purchase. If you are doubtful on the limits by which your policy insures you with you can always acquire extra coverage. This is where totally comprehending your existing policy becomes important. Some rental companies offer accidental death and personal property coverage. Some even go through the extent of providing personal effects coverage for when your personal stuff gets stolen from the car you rented.

Auto insurance for rental vehicles gives you security while traveling in a rented vehicle. You may decide to get insurance from the rental company. The practical way is to compare the options being presented to the insurance you already have. There is no need for unnecessary expenses if you already have coverage. If your personal policy does not give you sufficient coverage then do not hesitate to purchase extra benefits. After all, your safety will always be worth more than the insurance you’re paying for.

Car napping and other vehicle related crimes have been a rampant issue in the society. This is the reason why law enforcement officers assure that drivers possess their proof of car insurance card always. The auto insurance card comprises of significant personal data, car’s information policy number, vehicle model and coverage dates.

Car insurance card signals that the car is insured. It becomes an evidence of the insurance guideline acquired by the vehicle owner. The identity of owner, policy of insurance and expiration date is shown in the card. The automobile insurance card also serves as a protection; a tool to cover the charges when driver meets an accident or any injury. The person can also obtain reimbursements for vehicle damages and accept compensation from the labor hours mislaid from the harm caused. The information in the car insurance card is necessary in cases the traffic officers question the car driver of some data. Proper authorities ask the drivers for their proof of car insurance card to also check for the vehicle’s auto insurance coverage. The card can also be used as substitute for identification card presented for different purposes. A car insurance card denotes that the individual owns the vehicle and updated. Automobile insurance card is also used as armor against theft or car. Obtaining a proof of car insurance card is more convenient as it can be done online. Choosing insurance coverage online is quicker since it includes basic steps. The client may enter the Insure4USA.com website and contrast quotes from selected insurance companies. A preliminary payment is made to effectively have a purchase of the insurance standards. After which, the proof of auto insurance card is printed as confirmation of accountability coverage. The rationale of the printed file is to gratify legal responsibility in aspects for referral of guiding principles in any uncertainty. In some states, the proof of car insurance card is mandatory by the Department of Motor Vehicles needed for vehicle transactions and measures. The card is essential for renewal of automobile registration and license application. The proof of insurance card is also useful in acquiring a recent vehicle with loan. The bank responsible for loaning shall necessitate for the latest car obtained be covered with comprehensive coverage and coverage for accidents besides the current state requirements. Comprehensive coverage pertains to circumstances which are related to natural calamities, thievery and other forms of unrelated accidents. The featured coverages certify that car damages will be fixed in a way that bank is not left broke. In connection with this, the purchaser shall present the vehicle insurance guideline through the proof of car insurance card.   Besides the online option for purchasing the insurance card, the company can mail the proof of insurance card too.  The consumer must be knowledgeable of the insurance policy and insurance coverage in either way the card was acquired.

Thus, it is a car owner and driver’s personal duty to adhere with the rules and regulations in the highway. Safety and security is part of a client’s hierarchy of needs and therefore should be valued. We cannot predict happenings in the highway or elsewhere so a proof of car insurance card functions as our weapon wherever we go.

(PRNewswire) – Averting a potentially disastrous piece of legislation, a majority of Idaho Senators on the State Affairs Committee took a bold stand and voted down a measure to “nullify” the federal health care law in Idaho.  Today, AARP commended those lawmakers for their opposition to House Bill 117.  The move saves the state billions of dollars, prevents the loss of thousands of health care jobs, and preserves access to health care for hundreds of thousands of Idahoans, including senior’s access to prescription drugs.  

“Nullification of the health care law could have forced thousands of older Idahoans to struggle with prescription drug costs, leaving many to go without – today, the actions of a handful of Idaho Senators prevented what could have proven a statewide disaster,” said Jim Wordelman, State Director for AARP in Idaho. “AARP commends those members of the Senate State Affairs Committee who voted against the bill for staving off a short-sighted approach that held dire implications for Idaho.”

The bill sailed through the House in the face of two opinions by the Idaho State Attorney General’s office, pointing out both the unconstitutionality of efforts to nullify the federal health care law and the glaring risk to the state.    

“We know not everyone agrees with the new health care law, but this approach was the wrong one — it would’ve put many Idahoans at an unneeded risk of not being able to have access to health care,” added Wordelman.  

Earlier this month, AARP warned against the nullification efforts, releasing a Nullification-By-The-Numbers to remind legislators and the public of the potential impact the measure could have on Idahoans of all ages.  The bill posed a direct threat to:

• 18,000 seniors, who’ve hit the prescription drug coverage gap in Medicare, known as the “doughnut hole,” and are provided relief under the federal law.
• 6,520 younger uninsured state residents, whom the law currently helps to have health care coverage by staying on their parent’s insurance plans.
• 212,000 older Idahoans who receive free preventative health screenings through Medicare, helping to avoid higher costs for largely preventable illnesses.  
• 857,000 Idahoans who are prevented from being kicked off their health care plans once they hit the lifetime limits the law currently eliminates.  Without the protection many would be pushed into emergency rooms for basic health care, resulting in billions of dollars in uncompensated care, shifting higher insurance premiums onto everyone else.
• $1.5 billion Idaho receives in federal matching funds for Medicaid, the loss of which could mean the elimination of thousands of health care jobs in Idaho.
• 215,000 Medicaid enrollees, with the loss of federal matching funds they would be forced from the program, leaving: Idaho to provide the services at a great financial burden; hospitals with soaring emergency room admissions; and state residents to bear the cost of uncompensated care in the form of increased insurance premiums.

AARP is Idaho’s largest membership organization with 180,000 members.

Financial crisis has become a major concern in the society. This situation poses a risk among people who are paying insurances. Such consumers have no choice but to file bankruptcy. One crucial issue is the effect of bankruptcy in auto insurance rates.

A car insurance company has specific terms and conditions for individuals availing of insurances. At unexpected circumstances, a car insurance holder who suddenly files bankruptcy has certain conditions to be met. A dilemma arises on its effect to the car insurance rates. However, certain factors are being considered in the process. The driving documentation of the client, type of car and amount of speeding are determined. The residence of the client can also be an additional basis for study.  Credit document and the score are vital elements to excogitate for car insurance to increase rates or not. Bankruptcy can influence credit rating. This yields to an insurance risk wherein the consumer is being delegated, his capacity to pay and handle an insurance account. There are two types of bankruptcy. These are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. These bankruptcy protections are utilized to make greater car insurance premiums. According to statistics of year 2007 and 2008, 34 percent of individuals had engaged to bankruptcy. Chapter 13 has been extensively used than Chapter 7. It provides privileges for minimum earners to sustain their investments and settle debts. This also serves as a security from collectors of former due bills. The utilization of Chapter 7 or 13 shall manifest in a consumer’s credit report for seven to ten years. Thus, every decision has its own corresponding result. A client’s relationship with the insurance company is an essential instrument to foster trust and understanding.

Therefore, bankruptcy influences automobile insurance rates and the condition of car insurance holder as well. The consumer portrays an active responsibility to prepare for abrupt situations with finances. One must opt for an auto insurance rate suitable for his income. Therapeutic conversation is important among the client and insurance company regarding the insurance policies. The consumers possess the right for due process since auto insurances are not permitted to disqualify car insurance because of bankruptcy. The client is also advisable to reinforce his credit rating and adhere with payment dues since credit checks are done once a year. It is also necessary to for consumers to drive cautiously to avoid further damages. Wearing and handling proper safety devices is advisable. A client’s positive record will also pave way for future transactions. A bankruptcy record will allow insurance companies to run credit checks on probable consumers. They may increase insurance rates and even decline to refurbish an existing guideline. Poor performance of credit rating has a propensity to create insurance claims than clients with fine quality insurance rates. It is wise enough to take on a good deal on car insurance rates. Furthermore, bankruptcy can increase car insurance rates. The evaluation of risk standards based on the company’s risk scores shall serve as a means to retain the auto insurance’s coverage.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announced that the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) aided Louisiana insurance consumers in receiving more than $9.6 million in insurance payments from consumer complaints last year. This is an additional $1.4 million over the amount of funds recovered in 2009.

The largest amount – more than $6 million – was recovered from property and casualty insurers.

The recovered funds result from insurance claims disputes in which LDI was able to work with insurance companies and consumers to recover monies above what the insurance companies originally offered the consumers to settle their claims. Funds recovered are from formal complaints regarding property and casualty, health insurance, life and annuities, and consumer advocacy claims. 

Information on inquiries, complaints and funds recaptured by each office is as follows:

Consumers who feel they are not being paid what they should for losses as stated in their insurance policies can contact LDI and request assistance and/or file a formal complaint. Department examiners review complaints from policyholders and determine if the insurance company has honored the insurance policy and paid the consumer what they are due per the provisions of their policy.

Oklahoma residents require drivers to carry the liability insurance. The liability insurance coverage for drivers in Oklahoma is $25,000 for injury that involves one person, $50,000 for injury of multiple persons and $25,000 for damages done to the properties. In short, the minimum liability insurance for Oklahoma is written as 25/50/25.

In Oklahoma, drivers are not required to purchase the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Oklahoma is a Tort state just like most states in America. As a Tort state, the culprit of the accident is responsible for paying all the damages associated with the accident. Auto insurance company in Oklahoma has the right to exclude certain household members from the coverage. You can find information about the exclusion in the exclusion section of the auto insurance policy. It is important that you read the automobile insurance agreement about your responsibility before putting down your signature. In this way, you will know what terms you are bound into as an auto insurance policy holder.

If you rented a car to drive on the highway, make sure that it is insured otherwise you will get fined. The cost for liability insurance for rental car is about $7 – $14 per day. The rental car insurance can be obtained from either the credit card company or auto insurance company. If the rental car insurance coverage is included in your credit card agreement, you don’t have to purchase it individually from the auto insurance company.

Oklahoma follows the rules of the Tort System. Therefore, if you are at fault in the accident, you must pay for the damages. You will be liable to pay the damages for medical costs, car repair, legal fees and etc. Accidents can happen at anytime so it is recommended that you get higher coverage than the minimum requirement. In this way, you don’t have to be afraid of losing all your money when you encounter an accident. Drivers are required to carry proof of insurance. If you fail to carry insurance proof, you will be fined up to $250. Under the law of Oklahoma, drivers without insurance proofs can be punished with imprisonment. You will be imprisoned for up to 1 month if you did not provide car insurance proof.

The average cost of vehicle insurance coverage in the state of Oklahoma is $659 per year. The cost for the auto insurance coverage in Oklahoma is ranks as the 38th most expensive in the United States.

It is important to opt for sound investment schemes in order to secure your financial assets. Many people end up choosing annuity insurance for this purpose. However, it is important to understand the pros and cons of this type of insurance before you make a decision. The future of your financial assets will solely depend on your choice of investments. An annuity is a contract between you as an investor and the insurance company who promises to help your money grow or pay out a specified amount after a certain period.

To begin with, you must understand that annuities provide guaranteed rates of return on your investment. The insurance company also makes a guarantee of lifetime payments. One major advantage is that your money grows tax deferred. This is beneficial if you are investing non-retirement money. You do not need to pay taxes on dividends, interest, and gains each year until you withdraw the money from the annuity.

On the other hand, you also need to be cautious about certain aspects of annuities. Some contracts have a surrender period that can have your money locked in for a longer period of time. Therefore, it is essential to find out the insurance company’s policies on annuity before you decide to invest. You have a choice of fixed, indexed, and variable annuities. Fixed annuities pay back a fixed rate of return and you have the option to withdraw the money after a specified period. This ensures that your money is free from any fluctuations in the market. Variable annuities on the other hand can affect your principle due to market fluctuations. They are suited for long term investments which grow more when you keep the money for a longer period.

Top insurance companies have a history of stability with limited risks taken by them. For the most part, they survive every type of meltdown or government failure. Fixed annuity holders have never lost a penny due to market losses. Moreover, there is a guaranteed rate of interest provided by the insurance company so your annuity is not going to lose value. The added benefits apart from tax deferrals on earning until withdrawal are probate-free transfers at death, and the option to convert to a guaranteed lifetime income. Insurance companies also allow emergency withdrawals without any penalties.

It would be prudent to treat annuities as a specialty product and study the list of pros and cons before making a decision. If the disadvantages don’t seem to hurt your case adversely, you may opt for variable annuities, or remain safe with an investment in fixed annuities.

(The Lund Report) – The Oregon Insurance Division has approved an 18.9 percent average rate increase affecting nearly 70,000 people with Regence BlueCross BlueShield individual health insurance renewing after February 1.
 
Regence had asked state regulators for a 22.7 percent average increase to take effect in October. But because of negotiations between Regence and state officials a decision was delayed, according to Cheryl Martinis, insurance division spokeswoman.
 
“Overall, we estimate the impact of changes due to federal healthcare reform at 3.5 percent of the overall 18.9 percent increase,” Martinis said, adding that families with children up to 24-years-old will see “higher rate increases than others because of the federal reform that guarantees coverage for children under age 19.”
 
In comments posted on the Division’s website, consumers voiced their complaints. “With our coverage at a minimum and our rates at a maximum, it almost seems like a cruel joke that another rate increase is already in the works,” wrote S Anderson from Portland.
 
The decision follows prior average increases on Regence individual plan holders of 17.1 percent in 2009, 24.1 percent in 2008 and 17.6 percent in 2007.
 
Last year Regence reduced benefits and re-branded its individual products as Regence Evolve. The company still expects a 5.8 percent loss over the next year on its individual plans, and according to the company’s latest filing, it expects to spend more than 19 percent on administrative costs.
 
Overall Regence remains in strong financial shape, having earned more than $70 million in net income from Jan 1 – Sept 30, 2010.
 
Considering its individual line of business separately, Regence lost $11.7 million in 2009, said Martinis, and $93.8 million on individual plans from 2006 to 2009, said Samantha Meese, Regence spokeswoman.
 
“Unfortunately, the rate approved by DCBS is not enough to cover the anticipated needs of our individual members based on the most recent experience of this pool and the anticipated impact of federal health reform,” Meese said.
 
The decision also follows several rate hike requests that the Insurance Division scaled back somewhat in recent months. HealthNet, Providence and ODS Health Plans all had individual increases reduced by 2 to 5 percent. Regence had its small business rate increase lowered by 2 percent. Those rate increases nonetheless averaged from 8 to 18 percent.
 
The Oregon Insurance Division regulates small group and individual health plan rates covering nearly 500,000 Oregonians, about 13 percent of the state’s insured.
 
Leaders at the Division were armed in 2010 with new provisions in state law as well as $1 million from the federal government to strengthen rate regulation. As part of those funds, OSPIRG received $100,000 to provide consumer input. In the group’s first analysis it found United Healthcare failed to justify a 16.8 percent average increase on small group plans. The Division has yet to rule on the case.
 
“It’s definitely great to see the Insurance Division scaling the rate hikes back a bit,” said Laura Etherton, health care advocate for OSPIRG. “In any economy these double-digit rate increases are too much for families and small business to afford. Whether it’s a 25 percent or 18 percent, it’s still going to be really challenging for business and consumers to swallow that kind of increase.”
 
The following were taken from the Insurance Division’s public comment forum on the proposed 22.7 percent average increase on Regence individual health plans before the Division reduced the increase to 18.9 percent.

(WSJ) – Seven insurance companies have filed lawsuits against Toyota Motor Corp. seeking a minimum of $230,000 to cover the cost of claims paid for accidents related to the unintended acceleration problems identified in Toyota vehicles in the past several years

The insurers filed separate but identical complaints Dec. 30 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claiming that defects in Toyota vehicles were the cause of the crashes. “Certain of Toyota’s cars and trucks have a defect that causes sudden, uncontrolled acceleration to speeds of up to 100 miles per hour or more,” the complaints allege. “This defect is combined with the operator’s inability to stop the vehicle during such an incidence due to defective electronics and the absence of a fail-safe, such as a brake-override system.”

The lawsuits are similar to one filed by Allstate Corp. three months ago in the same court seeking $3 million in damages. The litigants are American Hardware Mutual Insurance Co., Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co., National Surety Corp., American Automobile Insurance Co., Ameriprise Insurance Co., Motorists Mutual Insurance Co. and IDS Property Casualty Insurance Co.

These types of claims “are common between insurers and auto makers. However, Toyota believes that any allegation that a vehicle-based defect is the cause of unintended acceleration in this or any other complaint is completely unfounded and has no basis,” said Celeste Migliore, a Toyota spokeswoman.

A message left with Edward Ordonez, one of the attorneys listed on the complaints, was not immediately returned.

In addition to the lawsuits from the insurance companies, Toyota faces more than a hundred complaints in federal court related to unintended acceleration. Most complaints contend that Toyota’s electronic throttle control system malfunctioned, causing cars to speed out of control.

Toyota has steadfastly denied problems with its electronics. It has admitted it had sticky throttles and floormats that could slip and entrap the pedal. These problems led to more than eight million recalls globally and a temporary halt to sales of eight Toyota models in the U.S. The company also began installing brake-override systems in all of its models and retroactively installing the system on some high-volume models during the recall. The system cuts power to the engine when both the brake and accelerator pedal are depressed.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has been investigating Toyota vehicles for more than six months and has enlisted the aid of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to run tests of vehicles. So far, no evidence of electronic problems has surfaced, but a final report hasn’t been released.

Indeed, analysis of crashes that have occurred in the past year where unintended acceleration was blamed shows that drivers were accidentally hitting the accelerator pedal instead of the brake in most cases.