July 2010

You are currently browsing the articles from Nationwise.com Insurance Blog written in the month of July 2010.

Helping Men Thrive with Health Insurance

Experts agree that taking charge of one’s own health and wellness improves the chance for a long, healthy life. And for men, buying a good men’s health insurance policy and seeing a doctor regularly is the best way to take control in these areas, no matter who you are.

Minimizing Risk

Since the state of men’s health affects everyone around them, it is extremely important that men get—and stay—insured.

Often the primary breadwinner in their households, men’s families depend on them to provide the resources necessary for daily survival.

Living Better and Longer

As they age, men face increased risk of disorders such as heart disease, high blood pressure, prostate and testicular problems and the like. But by taking care of their bodies and staying in touch with their health care provider, these problems don’t have to overwhelm them.

Men can improve the quality and length of their lives by:

The amount men pay for health insurance is determined partially by their state of health and habits at the time they apply for health coverage. By following these tips for healthy living, men can live longer, thrive, and pay less for health insurance coverage—and that’s welcome relief come retirement time!

Taking Action

If you’re looking for health insurance, or you need to cover that special man in your life, consider using InsureMe. We have health insurance agents in our network that can help you find the right policy.

Don’t risk living without health insurance. Take action today, and enjoy life and health tomorrow!

Written by admin on July 22nd, 2010 with no comments.
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Whole Life Insurance for the Long Haul

We all love the sense of security and stability permanence brings. With the right preparation, it means we can live with surety, certainty and peace of mind. And by preparing for the future with whole life insurance now, we pass that security on to our loved ones, leaving them what they need to carry on in our absence.

If you’ve never bought life insurance, this information is for you. It’ll help you get educated now so you can provide for your family later—the responsible thing to do.

In It for the Long Haul

Also known as permanent or cash-value life, whole life insurance insures you forever, no matter how long you live, as long as you pay your premiums.

When you buy your policy, your insurance company charges a premium that, in the early years, is higher than what’s needed to pay claims. The extra money is then invested and used to supplement those level premiums as you grow older and the cost of insuring you increases.

Why would you want to buy a policy that charges more than necessary in the beginning? Remember, you’re trading a slightly higher price for the reassurance that your premiums will remain steady—no matter what—as long as your policy is in effect. That means easy budgeting and steady payments. So if you’re looking for a policy with predictable premiums, this type of plan is probably your best bet.

Giving You Options

With this type of insurance, your insurer pays a periodic dividend into your account, which also causes its value to grow over time. If you later find yourself in a bind, you may then borrow against the accumulated monies. However, keep in mind that this reduces the value of your benefits; so if you die before paying it back, the amount your loved ones receive at your death will be deducted from the policy’s total value.

When the amount you’ve paid in premiums reaches a certain level, you have two choices: discontinue the policy and cash it in, or continue on with the original plan you purchased. Since providing for your loved ones is the key here, discontinuing your policy should be done with great caution and on the advice of a professional financial advisor or your insurance agent.

What’s in It for You?

In review, if you’re looking for insurance with lots of options, consider permanent life insurance. It offers you several benefits:

  1. It insures you for life
  2. Your premiums never increase
  3. It builds cash value you may borrow against
  4. It gives you the option of either cashing it in or canceling it completely

Though these policies cost more than shorter-term policies, the flexibility and financial security they offer are often worth the extra expense, especially in an inflated economy. So consider this carefully when deciding which type of policy works best for you.

Written by admin on July 22nd, 2010 with no comments.
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How’s the Hood?

by Penny M. Hagerman

Where do you live? Did you know the type of neighborhood you live in has a lot to do with how much you pay for homeowners insurance?
As our needs change, our communities grow to meet those needs. As a result, new types of urban and suburban neighborhoods sometimes spring up, some more traditional than others.
Depending on factors like location, proximity to downtown, security and the age and makeup of each neighborhood’s residents, home insurance rates may run higher or lower from one neighborhood to another.
What Goes on Where You Live?
How does your ‘hood rate? Do you understand why you pay what you pay for insurance in your area?
Perhaps you’re considering moving across town. Or leaving the city in favor of peaceful country life. Do you know what homeowners insurance will cost when you make the move—and why?
If you’re preparing to buy a new home, consider the following types of neighborhoods (as defined by Frontdoor.com) and their insurance distinctions before making your purchase. You’ll learn what to expect insurance-wise before you move, help keep home insurance rates in check—and protect your home and family, no matter where you live.
Neighborhood #1: Urban Core
Downtown areas in major metropolitan cities make up these types of neighborhoods. Consisting of mostly apartments and condos converted from old warehouses and above businesses, these areas are perfect for those who enjoy night life and city attractions. However, insurance rates in urban cores tend to run higher than average due to excessive crime, dense populations, illegal activity and transients.
Neighborhood #2: Urban Pioneer
Located near downtown areas and close-in suburbs, urban pioneer neighborhoods are up-and-coming areas that attract an ethnically diverse mix of mostly blue-collar singles, couples, retirees and immigrants. Consisting of modest but affordable older homes, urban pioneer neighborhoods enable occupants to purchase a nice (but often small) home likely to increase in value. However, crime and a lack of security is often a problem in these neighborhoods, leading to higher insurance rates than in most suburban areas.
Neighborhood #3: New Urban
New urban neighborhoods can be found near business hubs outlying city centers. Consisting of new single-family homes, upscale apartments and condos, and lofts above businesses decked out in retro styles known for architectural detail, these areas draw educated, affluent-to-middle-income singles and couples with no or few children. Because home prices and incomes tend to run higher here, it’s more expensive to insure a home in this type of neighborhood. However, with businesses close by, occupants are much less reliant on their vehicles, which helps keep the environment cleaner and reduce auto insurance rates.
Neighborhood #4: Bedroom Communities
The typical ‘burbs seen in movies and on television, bedroom communities exist as new subdivisions containing newly built, tract homes; manicured lawns and finished basements. Serving mostly families made up of middle-aged parents and their children, occupants usually spend time socializing and bonding with their neighbors. Because they’re more suburban, spread out and set apart from the activity of the city, bedroom communities usually experience less crime, which helps keep home insurance rates low.
Neighborhood #5: Pedestrian
Most major metropolitan cities contain small, outlying pockets of homes made up of brownstones, cozy condos and apartments. In these areas, residents walk everywhere they need to go, eliminating or greatly reducing the need for a vehicle. There’s little to no parking, yet young hipsters and single professionals enjoy being in such a casual, friendly atmosphere. Crime rates usually run low here, making home insurance rates affordable.
Neighborhood #6: Historic
Consisting of large, well-preserved, older single-family homes known for architectural styles such as Victorian and Colonial Revival, historic neighborhoods have lots of curb appeal, history and character. Often located near downtown or in well-known areas, homes in historic neighborhoods tend to be well patrolled by law enforcement and contain more stable, mature residents—which helps keep home insurance rates down. However, the expense involved in repairing or replacing expensive homes like these tends to drive rates upward.
Neighborhood #7: Status
Normally located in luxurious areas such as mountains or behind water or gates, neighborhoods of status tend to contain custom-built, single-family homes in trendy, urban areas. Filled with the affluent, celebrities and millionaires, these neighborhoods are often gated, secure, patrolled, exclusive and private. What does that mean? You guessed it—higher insurance rates. (But then, if you can afford to buy a home in this type of neighborhood, high home insurance premiums probably aren’t a problem!)
Neighborhood #8: Ethnic
Found near downtown in major metro areas, ethnic neighborhoods consist of large populations of people of similar ethnic origin living in small spaces. Though housing is affordable and cuisine can be interesting here, living in this type of neighborhood if you’re not of common ethnicity can make you feel like an outsider. Many residents living here are low-income, blue-collar workers; still, ethnic communities are often close-knit. Crime can be a problem, but insurance rates depend on each neighborhood and the problems it faces individually.
Neighborhood #9: Resort
Sunbelt and coastal cities made up of affluent and active adults and seniors who love the outdoor lifestyle is what you’ll find in resort neighborhoods. The epitome of suburban and usually set in scenic places where the climate is temperate, these areas attract mostly mature residents. Usually well patrolled and secure, homeowners insurance rates for homes in these regions tend to run high—but only because of replacement expense. However, crime rates are generally low here, and many people aspire to move here, trading higher insurance rates for relaxation and a sense of security.
Neighborhood #10: Golf
Subdivisions containing new homes and golf courses entice many families, retirees and golf fanatics. With amenities galore and upscale homes, money usually isn’t an object for those who choose to live in a primarily golfing community. Secure and often secluded, these types of neighborhoods are often gated and protected, which reduces crime and home insurance rates. Again, homes here are expensive, and replacement costs high.
Neighborhood #11: Retirement
Also in coastal and Sunbelt cities, homes in retirement communities tend to be small, low-maintenance apartments and condos. With lots of organized activities, neighborhoods like these tend to consist of empty nesters and single seniors looking for companionship. Because residents tend to be older, neighborhoods safe and quiet, and homes small and affordable, those living in retirement communities pay less than average for home insurance—and stay safer.
Neighborhood #12: Rural
Suburban to the core, some people enjoy the peacefulness that living in rural areas brings. Existing miles from the city—and its pollution, noise and crime—rural residents have lots of space, plenty of room to spread out, and lower home insurance rates than average. However, being so far from everything comes at a price: they wind up spending more time on the road and less time relishing their rural neighborhoods.
Learn about Your ‘Hood
Before you buy a home in a new neighborhood, know what to expect when you get there—including homeowners insurance rates. Then make the most informed decision possible, and enjoy your new digs!

Written by admin on July 21st, 2010 with no comments.
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A Little Wine Can Go a Long Way

No, we don’t mean complain. Rather, we’re referring to new evidence which suggests that drinking a small amount of wine each day can extend your life a few years.

That means healthier living-and lower insurance rates.

Scientists have known for years that drinking in moderation can help us live longer-while imbibing excessively can cut life short. But now, researchers have discovered that most men who consume about a half-glass of wine (20 grams) as part of their daily alcohol intake actually live about five years longer than tee-totalers, according to WebMD.

Not only that, they also live longer than those who enjoy beer or hard liquor, instead of wine.

A new Dutch study, recently referenced in Reuters News, revealed that the majority of men who drink at least two grams of wine a day will live an average of 2.5 years longer than their beer- or liquor-drinking buddies-and five years longer than those who drink no booze at all.

That’s a hard pill for some to swallow. But the study proves what would otherwise have been wishful thinking on the part of wine drinkers everywhere: it’s OK to pick up that wine glass and enjoy its smooth, luscious contents…but only in moderation.

The study, which took place in the Netherlands, followed 1,130 middle-aged men over a 40-year period, examining diet, habits, overall health and the impact of drinking beer, liquor and wine.

Researchers investigated how much alcohol the men drank, the form in which it was consumed and for what period of time, and whether the men smoked or had any serious illnesses.

As it turns out, the men in the study died at an average age of 77, as opposed to the normal average of 72.

There was no denying it: those who drank wine long term-especially the red variety-lived longer than their counterparts who didn’t.

Perhaps even more surprising, heavier drinkers who consumed more than 20 grams of wine daily still lived longer than most. However, drinking more decreased that benefit by 3.1 percent, giving them a lifespan only 1.9 years longer than average.

It appears that indulging in a glass of wine leads to better health and longer life than downing a mug of beer or a shot of the hard stuff.

Next time you get the urge, enjoy a small glass of rosy red wine.* You might be surprised how long you can live when you ‘wine’ a little!

*Please note: Nationwise neither encourages nor discourages the consumption of alcohol, and references this information only as it pertains to health and insurance quotes.

Written by admin on July 20th, 2010 with no comments.
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Connecticut Insurance Agents & Agencies

Below are some of the top rated insurance agents & agencies in Connecticut (CT)…

Written by admin on July 19th, 2010 with no comments.
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Colorado Insurance Agents & Agencies

Below are some of the top rated insurance agents & agencies in Colorado (CO)…

Written by admin on July 19th, 2010 with no comments.
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California Insurance Agents – Best Rated

Below are some of the top rated insurance agents & agencies in California (CA)…

Written by admin on July 12th, 2010 with 2 comments.
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Arkansas Insurance Agencies

Written by admin on July 12th, 2010 with no comments.
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Car Insurance Cancellation or Nonrenewal

Anyone with car insurance may one day find themselves in a situation which their auto insurance company cancels their policy, or their policy is not renewed. If either of these have happened to you, the following information may be helpful.

Cancellation

If your car insurance is cancelled by your car insurance company and your policy has been in effect for over 60 days, there are four possible reasons for this:

1. You did not pay your monthly premium on time.
2. Your driver’s license has been revoked or suspended.
3. You have misrepresented yourself on your application.
4. Your insurance company believes you have committed fraud.

If none of these fits your situation, or if it has been less than 60 days since your policy took effect, call your insurance company and find out why you have been canceled. Once you have this information you can decide what you need to do to get insured again.

Non-renewal

If you receive a non-renewal notice from your car insurance company, your policy will no longer be in effect on the date that the notice specifies. Either the insured or the insurance company can initiate the process of non-renewal. If you have gotten a non-renewal notice in the mail and you have not requested the non-renewal, chances are you have already received some form of warning or explanation from your insurance company. If this is not the case, contact your auto insurance company for an explanation. If you feel their reason is unfair, you can contact your state department of insurance and file a complaint.

Written by admin on July 10th, 2010 with no comments.
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Arizona Multi-Line Insurers

Below is quick, short list of some of the top insurance agencies and agents in Arizona. It is by no means a complete list but we hope it helps you get started on your way to becoming better insured.

Written by admin on July 8th, 2010 with no comments.
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