The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Americans age 16 and older donated a median of 50 hours annually to volunteer activities in 2013. Most people volunteer because they believe in a cause, want to help others or want to improve their community. Although volunteering might feel good, it’s not always risk-free. Here’s how to...
Read more
Renters Need Insurance Too
Many renters aren’t even aware that they need their own insurance, mistakenly believing that their landlord’s policy covers them. Your landlord’s policy will cover the building itself from damage or loss. But if your home is burglarized or destroyed by fire, your landlord’s policy provides no protection for your personal possessions. Renters insurance is inexpensive...
Read more
Teen Driver Safety Tips
Teen drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash than an adult, found a study by The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance Companies. Parents can do several things to help keep their teenagers safe behind the wheel. Here are a few teen driver safety tips: Coach...
Read more
High Risk Driver Auto Insurance Options
Shopping for auto insurance can be difficult if you’re lucky enough to have a fancy sports car in the garage — or unlucky enough to have an accident or speeding ticket on your driving record. Although anything out of the ordinary can make it harder to qualify for a standard or preferred-rate auto insurance policy...
Read more
How To Insure Your Home-Based Business
About 46 percent of self-employed workers conduct their business from home, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you have a home-based business, you have special insurance needs. The broader availability of wideband or wireless Internet access and faster, cheaper computers have made working at home an increasingly viable possibility for millions of...
Read more
How To Protect Yourself from Dog Bite Liability Claims
The Insurance Information Institute (III) reported that dog bite liability claims cost an average of $27,862 in 2013. If you own one or more dogs, do you have the insurance coverage to protect you from dog bite liability? He may be man’s best friend, but dog bites account for one-third of all homeowners insurance liability...
Read more
Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost Home Insurance
Do you know the difference between “actual cash value” and “replacement cost” coverage? The difference has a significant effect on how much your insurer will pay out after a loss to your home. Suppose a tree falls on your house, causing severe damage to your kitchen. Your kitchen appliances are 10 years old. New appliances...
Read more
Staying Healthy Overseas: Things to Know Before You Go
If your travel plans include a trip overseas, check this list before you check your bags! Country-specific health conditions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control offers information on health concerns by country, including infectious diseases, recommended vaccines, malaria information (if pertinent), list of medications to bring and cautions on food and water. www.cdc.gov/travel/destinationList.aspx. Individual-specific health...
Read more
Insurance for Gun Owners
In March 2013, Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and eight cosponsors introduced the “Firearm Risk Protection Act” (H.R. 1369), the first nationwide bill to require gun buyers to have liability insurance. If you own a gun, do you need additional coverage? H.R. 1369 stalled in Congress. If passed, it would have imposed a fine of $10,000...
Read more
Car Insurance Policy Basics
People buy auto insurance for two important reasons: to protect their car and to protect their finances. All 50 states and the District of Columbia require automobile owners to meet certain financial responsibility requirements. These requirements help ensure that funds will be available to reimburse victims of auto accidents if another driver damages their car...
Read more