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Insurance: The Basics

Why did my auto insurance costs go up even when I didn’t file a claim?

Auto insurers price their policies based on a number of factors. Sometimes these cost factors go up, and sometimes they go down. In most states, costs are currently rising. Your actions, as a policyholder, can affect what you pay, too. For instance, if you add another car, or a teenaged driver to your policy, your costs will increase. Alternatively, your costs will decrease if you drop either a car or a driver from your policy.

Insurance and financial tips for victims of domestic violence

Abusive relationships not only involve physical and emotional violence—they often include financial abuse as well. Indeed financial abuse occurs in 99 percent of all cases of domestic violence, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV). It can be an invisible weapon that keeps victims trapped in abusive relationships.

Health safety following a flood

Cleaning up after a flood can pose health risks. You and your family should wait to re-enter your home until professionals tell you it is safe, with no structural, electrical or other hazards.

Before you start cleanup activities, contact your insurance company and take pictures of the home and your belongings. Remember, drying your home and removing water-damaged items is your most important step for preventing mold damage.

 

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Personal automobile insurance: More accidents, larger claims drive costs higher

Over the past two years, both the accident rate and the size of insurance claims have climbed dramatically. These are the largest and most volatile components of auto insurance. This white paper documents the increase in costs, suggesting some factors that may be causing the increases. The paper also discusses what insurance companies are doing to keep costs in check and what consumers can do to reduce the cost of their own insurance.

 

Please click on the file name below to view the white paper in PDF format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the file.

Download auto_rates_wp_092716-62.pdf

You can download Adobe Acrobat Reader, free of charge, from the Adobe website (http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html).

Note: Printer fonts may vary by browser and version of Adobe Reader.

8 smart steps for buying life insurance

Life insurance can be a vital tool for financial planning, but finding coverage that meets your goals and budget can be challenging without guidance. Don't worry. A few simple steps will help you focus on the essential aspects of buying a policy that fits your needs.

1. Verify whether you need life insurance coverage.

Yes, life insurance is useful but it is not necessary for everyone. Consider purchasing a policy if any of these conditions apply to your situation.

Infographic: How to file a flood insurance claim

Experiencing a flood is never pleasant. However, there are things that you can do to make the claims process run more smoothly and efficiently.

Infographic: Business interruption insurance

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Auto insurance jargon buster

Don’t be intimidated by specialized insurance language. Below you’ll find definitions of some of the most common terms used when dealing with auto insurance.

Adjuster

An insurance company employee or contractor who reviews the damages and injuries caused by an accident and okays claims payments.

Bodily injury liability

Usually mandated by state law, this insurance provision covers costs associated with injuries and death that you or another driver causes while driving your car.

How to find the right auto insurance

Once you have a clear picture of how you use your car and your priorities, you’re ready to shop for insurance. Generally, it’s a good idea to compare policies from at least three different insurers.

You’ll want to consider fundamental factors such as coverage and price, but it’s also worth evaluating prospective insurers as well. The following are the most important factors to consider.

8 questions to ask before buying auto insurance

The vehicle you own, your personal priorities and your budget all factor into your unique auto insurance needs. Before comparing policies and insurers, evaluate how you use your car and what risks you face to figure out what options make the best sense for you.

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