How Hazard Insurance Works

By Kyle Fitzsimmons, InsuranceAgents.com Staff Writer

Is Hazard Insurance Right For You?

Knowing the ins and outs of your home insurance policy is essential. Since you are paying a substantial amount of money, you should know exactly what you are covered for and what you’re not covered for so you can find the most competitive homeowners insurance quotes for the coverage you specifically need. Although it sometimes is included in the more comprehensive homeowners insurance quotes and policies, hazard insurance might be an expense you should make to further protect your home.

Before purchasing hazard insurance, talk to your home insurance agent about the homeowners insurance policy you already have and see if the most common hazards are covered. If not, you can shop for hazard insurance quotes online right now through our site. Typically, some of the more comprehensive homeowners insurance policies cover the basics including:

• Damage caused by severe storms

• Damage caused by fire

• Damage caused by burglary

However, you may want to tailor a hazard insurance policy specific to the region in which you live. For example, you will want flood coverage if you live in an area known for experiencing flooding. Or earthquake coverage if you live in a state like California that is prone to earthquakes. Most comprehensive homeowners insurance policies to not cover these scenarios and you should consider hazard insurance by perusing homeowners insurance quotes online.

Hazard Insurance And You

So as you can see, hazard insurance may not be for everybody but it could be absolutely necessary if you fit certain criteria. If your current homeowners insurance policy is bare bones, you should seriously consider adding hazard insurance to protect yourself against the elements. The cheapest and most convenient way to do this is to fill out our simple hazard / home insurance quote form today and shop for homeowners insurance quotes.

InsuranceAgents.com is an Inc 500 fastest growing company that provides insurance quotes from up to five local agents.

Alignment Service

From AskPatty, our Auto Expert

Your car might have an alignment problem if: it drifts or pulls to one side, your steering wheel’s off center, you have uneven tire wear or your car doesn’t feel like it handles right. When all of a vehicle’s wheels are lined up exactly with each other, your wheels are in alignment. Running into potholes, smacking a curb or other object are great ways to knock your car out of alignment. Then one or more of your wheels starts pulling in a slightly different direction and the problems begin.

Driving for an extended time when you’re out of alignment causes your tires to wear unevenly and excessively. This can be dangerous and expensive. You’ll have to replace your tires sooner, but even worse – you may cause premature wear to your suspension system, which can be really expensive.

The front wheel alignment is adjustable on all vehicles, and the back wheels are also adjustable on some cars. The adjustment can go three different ways. The first adjustment is called toe. The next adjustment is called camber. And finally, there is castor. The engineers who designed your vehicle determined the alignment settings that will give you the best handling and safety.

There are several things involved in an alignment check. First, there’s an inspection of the steering and suspension – it should be checked to see if anything’s bent or broken. Then the tire condition needs to be inspected. From there, the vehicle is put on an alignment rack and an initial alignment reading is taken. If all four wheels are adjustable, they are lined up perfectly parallel with the vehicle’s center line. If the back wheels aren’t adjustable, the technician determines the direction they push and then aligns the front wheels to match.

Like most things, your manufacturer has suggested a mileage interval for having your alignment checked. But if you run into a curb, pothole or something else that’s given you a big jolt, pay attention to whether your vehicle is pulling to one side when you drive. It’s better to have your alignment checked before waiting to see if there is uneven tire tread wear – by then, the damage is done.

Getting your alignment checked when needed is a great way to extend the life of your tires and suspension parts. It also makes sure that your tire meets the road properly for maximum performance and safety.

Jody DeVere
President and CEO
http://www.askpatty.com
http://www.carblabber.com

Level Term Life Insurance At-A-Glance

Why Level Term Life Insurance May Be for You

Despite having some similarities, level term life insurance and term life insurance differ in one profound way: your premium doesn’t fluctuate throughout level term life insurance coverage. You’ve worked too hard over the years to not be able to benefit from a life insurance policy. Unfortunately, not everybody is able to afford the monthly premium payments that coincide with quality coverage. That’s where level term life insurance comes in.

Unlike other life insurance policies that increase in price over time, level term life insurance stays at a fixed rate for your choice of 10, 15, 20 or 30 years, depending on which term life insurance policy you obtain. After your policy expires, you also have the option of renewing or upgrading your policy should you wish to continue benefiting from level term life insurance.

Level term life insurance is a wise decision when:

• You need protection for a mortgage or a student loan
• Money is scarce and you cannot afford to pay increasing monthly payments
• You have outstanding loans as a business owner and don’t want to be a financial burden to your partners or shareholders

NOTE: Keep in mind that while level term life insurance offers some nice perks, it does not build cash value and will never be eligible for dividends.

Pay the Right Amount with Level Term Life Insurance

If level term life insurance sounds like something you’re interested in, make sure you talk to your life insurance agent before making any drastic decisions. Term life insurance is not for everybody and if you experience a sudden change in your health, obtaining a whole or permanent life insurance policy will be nearly impossible.

That’s not to say, however, that level term life insurance should be avoided. If you’re in need of protection for your mortgage or student loan but are worried that your monthly premium payments will be too much, level term life insurance might be the help you’re looking for.

InsuranceAgents.com, an Inc 500 fastest growing company, provides consumers with expert articles and insurance quotes from up to five local agents.

Home Solar Panels: How Do They Affect Your Homeowners Insurance?

Going “green” with home solar panels doesn’t have to make your insurance skyrocket
By Meha Ahmad, Insuranceagents.com Staff Writer

If you’re thinking about adding home solar panels to your home, you should know how those home solar panels can affect your homeowners insurance. If you are already aware, and are looking for a more affordable rate, start searching for homeowners insurance quotes.

In these modern times, environmental awareness is a quickly growing concern. Many people are trying, even in small ways, to reduce their carbon footprint and live an environmentally-friendly lifestyle. For homeowners, customizing the home to be more “green” is also growing. One of the most popular ways to do this is by adding home solar panels.

Here are the answers to five of the most frequently asked questions about home solar panels and your homeowners insurance:

1. Will home solar panels cause my homeowners insurance premium to skyrocket?

Not necessarily. Most insurance companies these days cover home solar panels. In fact, many carriers may offer a slightly lower rate because environmentally-friendly people are less likely to make an insurance claim (those who are concerned with saving the environment are not likely to be smokers and so are less likely to cause a house fire). Some insurance companies have even been known to offer a 2-3 percent discount for home solar panels.

However, some insurance companies will charge an exorbitant fee for the home solar panels, arguing that it adds an increased value to the home. Check with your insurance agent and make sure your carrier will insure your home solar panels and see if you can get a discount or low rate.

2. What about damage to my roof?

Make sure you find a professional installer to put your home solar panels in place. Professionals with experience in installing home solar panels know what they’re doing and how to install the panels without damage. But if you’re still worried, you can always mount your panels on the ground and eliminate risk to your roofing.

3. Will the home solar panels (and insurance costs) pay off in time?

Yes! Not only will you be saving a small fortune on electricity costs, but your insurance premium may not raise all that much, especially if you shop for homeowners insurance quotes. Also, governments (including the U.S.) around the world are offering incentives and tax breaks to homeowners who invest in solar energies. That’s a cash reward to responsible homeowners who install home solar panels!

4. How will local climate affect the cost?

If your area is prone to severe storms, the insurance for your home solar panels may be expensive This is because it is much more likely that you will be making insurance claims for your roof and home solar panels because of severe weather.

When hiring a professional installer, you may want to go with a local company. They will have a better idea of local climate conditions, have more experience working around it and know what the right kind of panel suitable for your area is. Also, they’ll probably be more aware of local regulations and rules concerning your home solar panels (you will probably have to get a permit—DON’T SKIP THIS STEP).

5. Will shopping for homeowners insurance quotes find me a policy that fits my home solar panels?

Shopping for insurance quotes will have many insurance agents contacting you within 24 hours with affordable low rates and policies. If you find a policy and rate that you like, make sure to ask that insurance agent if he/she can offer you the same or similar rate including the “green” aspects of your home, including the home solar panels.

InsuranceAgents.com, an Inc 500 fastest growing company, provides consumers with expert articles and insurance quotes from up to five local agents.

Insurance Quotes: A Guide For First Time Homeowners

Difficulties Arise When Shopping For Homeowners Insurance Quotes

When it comes to searching for homeowners insurance quotes that fits your budget, it can be similar to selecting the perfect home for you and your family. You shop endlessly, until you come across:
• The right coverage that fits your lifestyle
• The right price that allows you to save
• The right insurance agent who will tell you your best options

But as you shop for those homeowners insurance quotes, you have to be careful or else you could run into future problems with your insurance policy. With today’s economy in turmoil, you may be more determined to get the lowest quote to save money on your coverage plan, but doing so may put you at risk of coverage gaps. Another possibility that could happen is that you choose homeowners insurance quotes that are too expensive and still don’t have the coverage you need to protect your property and assets.

Many homeowners do not know that they can negotiate rates with homeowners insurance agents by asking for ways to lower their monthly premium, instead of going with the flow. As CNNMoney.com reports, homeowners insurance policies can be settled between homeowners and insurers, before insurance claims are filed. Unfortunately, the opposite happens: homeowners end up being dissatisfied in the aftermath of a peril, and due to the insurer’s legal and contractual obligations, homeowners lose out on saving money.

The Right Way To Look For Homeowners Insurance Quotes

As you browse for homeowners insurance quotes, make sure that you compare them and select the best price that fits your means. However, remember that sometimes the most inexpensive quote is not necessarily the best, which is why you should also compare the coverage options of each insurance company.

Since each insurer differs in both homeowners insurance quotes and coverage options, you should:
• Thoroughly investigate every insurer’s background
• Ask your family and friends for recommendations
• Ask for discounts to lower your monthly premium.

Finding homeowners insurance quotes can be a frustrating process, but nothing can be more frustrating than encountering problems in your policy after you file a claim. To ensure an easy claim filing process and to secure its validity, make sure you record any valuables that are included in your policy (i.e. jewelry, furniture, electronics, appliances, etc.).

Last but not least, be sure to keep your eye on the fluctuation of homeowners insurance quotes annually. Even if you have an affordable homeowners insurance policy, there could be another company that has a better coverage plan at a lower rate. Practicing these tips will aide you in selecting the right insurer and reduces the chance of you running across surprises in your homeowners insurance policy in the future.

InsuranceAgents.com, an Inc 500 fastest growing company, provides consumers with expert articles and insurance quotes from up to five local agents.

How Your Homeowners Insurance Can Prevent Foreclosure

By Kyle Fitzsimmons, InsuranceAgents.com Staff Writer

Save On Homeowners Insurance And Keep Your House

This may seem like old news but we are in a bit of an economic bind these days. Front and center in this bind is the home foreclosure crisis which is gripping America from coast to coast. Those who failed to make their mortgage payments and had their home foreclosed on are left scratching their heads wondering where they went wrong. It may have never occurred to them but homeowners insurance could’ve saved their home. To get the best coverage use our quick online form to compare up to 5 quotes.

Yes, believe it or not, an expense like homeowners insurance can actually help you with your mortgage expenses. It might sound backwards but as the saying goes, “you have to spend money to make money” and homeowners insurance is no exception. So how exactly can you utilize your homeowners insurance to prevent your home from being foreclosed on?
• Consider job loss insurance – Often added as a rider to a standard homeowners insurance policy, job loss insurance has risen in popularity in the wake of the foreclosure crisis. Purchased while still employed, job loss insurance pays for part or all of your mortgage should you be unemployed for a number of reasons.
• Compare homeowners insurance quotes online – Many homeowners pay too much for coverage without knowing. The key to not falling into this trap is by comparing homeowners insurance quotes from a number of different companies in order to find the best policy at the right price.

Using Homeowners Insurance To Your Advantage

If you own a home then you probably realize the importance of homeowners insurance. It’s something you need anyways so why not optimize it to work in your favor? Job loss insurance and comparing quotes are just two ways to make sure your home stays yours. Contact your home insurance agent today about other ways you can save on homeowners insurance. To compare up to five quotes, use our fast online form located here.

InsuranceAgents.com, an Inc 500 fastest growing company, provides consumers with expert articles and insurance quotes from up to five local agents.

Five Tips To Save On Homeowners Insurance Today

We’re all looking for ways to save on our homeowners insurance costs. And the sooner the better.
By Meha Ahmad, InsuranceAgents.com Staff Writer

One way to save quickly is to compare multiple homeowners insurance quotes. That way you can find a policy similar (or better) to your own, and possibly at a lower rate. The homeowners insurance market changes so frequently, you never know when a lower homeowners insurance rate will be available.
Here are just a few ways to save on homeowners insurance:

1. Do some research.

Research local homeowners insurance quotes, the track records of any local agents you might be considering, the insurance companies, etc. Contact your state department of insurance and the Better Business Bureau for help. Is the homeowners insurance agent licensed? Have there been any complains against them or the company? What kind of coverage are they offering in the policy? Gather all of the pertinent information to make a decision.

2. Get the right amount of content coverage.

You will need to take an adequate household inventory. Consider the full replacement cost of all of your clothes, your furniture, TV, computer, electronics, appliances, furnishings, jewelry, antiques, heirlooms, etc. Be careful not to overinsure or underinsure your home’s contents and your belongings.

3. Drop bad habits.

This includes smoking (fire hazard), failing to lock the door or set the alarm system (heightened risk of theft), and a cluttered home and outdoor property (liability risk).

Avoid a high amount of small homeowners insurance claims.

Making a lot of little homeowners insurance claims can cause an increase in your premium that you definitely don’t want. Only use your homeowners insurance if the costs outweigh the benefits.

5. Take time to shop around.

Searching and comparing multiple homeowners insurance quotes is the easiest (not to mention free) way to find lower rates that fit into your budget.
For other ways to save on your homeowners insurance, talk to your homeowners insurance agent. They can tell you what discounts you are (or can be) eligible for, and what adjustments you can make to increase coverage and/or decrease premiums.

InsuranceAgents.com, an Inc 500 fastest growing company, provides consumers with expert articles and insurance quotes from up to five local agents.

Ford Shares Tips For Safer Proms, Calmer Moms (And Dads)

By Jody DeVere of AskPatty.com

Prom season is upon us! The 17-year-old son of one our staffers will be attending his first prom this weekend, and because he is a new driver, his mom is a little worried about his driving safety on prom night. Prom is a big night for teenagers, filled with glitter, glitz, and high expectations. For parents, though, it can be a long evening fraught with nail-biting and worry that won’t end until their teen returns home safely.

And parents of young drivers have a reason to be worried!
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds; in 2008, approximately 5,800 15- to 20-year-old drivers were involved in fatal crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The numbers also show that the severity of a crash increases when alcohol is involved: In 2008, 22 percent of 15- to 20-year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking.

Texting while driving is another area of concern. Ford research shows that teens do not have the experience that allows them to self-limit tasks while driving. NHTSA estimates that distracted driving, including the use of nomadic electronic devices, may be involved in some capacity in up to 80 percent of road collisions.

Prom night is a special night for teens, but with a little forethought and a few frank discussions, parents won’t be so anxious as their kids spend an evening out on the town. Fortunately, parents can coach their teens on safe driving, make sure they know that drinking and driving is illegal, and find other ways to help them become more confident behind the wheel. The comprehensive Ford Driving Skills for Life website, www.drivingskillsforlife.com, is chock-full of car care and driving safety tips for both teens and parents. The informative web site offers a variety of tips on improving driving skills in four key areas that are estimated to lead to 60 percent of teen accidents. The driving tips info there should help settle the minds of even the most concerned parents!

For so many teens, prom night isn’t a time to dwell on safety. It means fancy dresses, smart tuxes, and an exciting night out. But anytime is a good time to share the following young driver guidelines from Ford:

Buckle up!

Remind your teenager again and again how important that single little click can be. Statistics show that seat belt usage is lowest among teenagers, even though seat belts continue to be proven as the NUMBER ONE life-saving device in accidents.

Don’t drink and drive.

You may assume your teen knows this, but it’s worth a sit-down talk. Make sure your teen knows the dangers of driving under the influence – or getting into a vehicle with someone who’s been drinking.

No text zone.

Remind your teen driver to avoid distractions such as texting, loud music and any activities that take their eyes away from the road for extended periods of time. Research shows this combination significantly increases the risk of accidents.

Take a drive.

Is your son or daughter taking the car that night? Drive the route with him or her; make sure they know exactly where they’re going and limit the number of passengers who will be in the car at all times.

Renting a limo?

Check the safety record of the limo company. Make sure the company you (or the kids) are renting from has a reputable history. Ensure the driver knows where he is taking the passengers ahead of time so no last-minute destination changes can be made.

Set a check-in time and curfew.

Have the couple call you when the dance is over, or when they’re changing venues, so you know where they are at all times. Set a curfew. Make sure your teens know when you expect them home, and make sure they know it’s not debatable.

Of course parents want to ensure their teens have the skills – and technology – to more safely take the wheel whenever they are out on the road. Find more safe driving tips for teens at The comprehensive Ford Driving Skills for Life website, www.drivingskillsforlife.com.

Creative commons photo credits:
Seatbelt photo by Alvimann at Morguefile.com, teen prom photo by LaBellaVida at Flickr.com, teen prom photo 2 by LaBellaVida at Flickr.com, teens with limo via National Limousine Association

Jody DeVere
President and CEO
http://www.askpatty.com
http://www.carblabber.com

Condo Insurance and Your Vacation Home
Getting The Best Condo Insurance For Your Vacation Condo

By Meha Ahmad, InsuranceAgents.com Staff Writer

Home insurance costs are rising, which means second-home owners are feeling the financial strain twice as much. When it comes to keeping a getaway condo for vacation times, it’s important for owners to maintain a strong and long-lasting condo insurance policy. To get a better idea of the cost related to insuring your second home you can call around to various condo insurance agents and then compare multiple condo insurance quotes or you can take the easy route. Get condo insurance rates free, using our quick online form. Compare & save.

Here are six ways to get sufficient and affordable condo insurance:

1.Call your condo insurance agent.

This is preferably the same agent that handles your other policies (auto insurance, home insurance, health insurance, etc.). That way, they will be more familiar with your coverage needs and can find you a sufficient condo insurance policy at a rate that fits within your budget.

2.Compare condo insurance quotes.

By obtaining multiple-multiple! That means more than two. Find as many as possible-condo insurance quotes, you can compare rates and the coverage offered by each insurer.

3.Research local factors.

. Find out what factors are affecting homes and condos in your condo’s area. Do you need extra coverage to guard against severe local weather, like hurricanes or floods? Be sure to ask your condo insurance agent if you need to update your condo insurance policy.

4.Look over the Master Policy’s details.

Does your condo association policy carry coverage for the condominium building and common grounds? Your association dues/fees are going to paying for that condo insurance, so make sure you know what your master policy covers (remember: the master policy does NOT replace your own condo insurance policy!).

5.Don’t forget liability coverage.

You have liability coverage on your home insurance policy, and your auto insurance policy. Why wouldn’t you need the same coverage for your condo insurance policy? Liability coverage will protect you from damages, medical and legal expenses if someone is injured on your property. The coverage extends to renters, if you choose to rent your condo to others.

6.Try to Get Discounts.

Because a vacation home is not regularly used (unless you’re renting it out), you are less of a risk and liability to insurance companies. As such, check with a condo insurance agent to see if you can get lower premiums due to the condo being an unoccupied or vacant home for a significant part of the year.

To learn more about Condo Insurance, Homowners Insurance, Auto, etc. please visit InsuranceAgents.com.

Homeowners insurance policies come in all shapes and sizes, but there are only two primary types: a cash value policy and a homeowners insurance replacement cost policy. Although a cash value policy is significantly cheaper, you get what you pay for, meaning it doesn’t provide the policyholder with as much coverage as a homeowners insurance replacement cost policy does.

The Steps to Finding Your Homeowners Insurance Replacement Cost

A homeowners insurance replacement cost policy is unlike any other insurance policy. It is the only one that will cover the complete rebuilding of your home and also replace any of your destroyed/lost personal belongings for its full worth, excluding depreciation.

So how can you determine your homeowners insurance replacement cost?

1. Understand the formula.

The formula to calculate the cost of your replacement coverage is fairly easy to remember: square footage of your home multiplied by local building costs per square foot.

2. Contact a professional.

To find the cost and value of your home, contact your home insurance agent. He/she should possess extensive knowledge of your home and be able to provide you with an accurate number.

3. Insure your home’s worth, not cost.

If your replacement cost only covers the amount you paid for your home, be sure to alter your policy immediately. You may have made improvements to the structure that would make rebuilding it cost more, or local construction costs may make rebuilding expenses higher than what you originally paid for the property

4. Look over your policy.

Review, review, review! Make sure your homeowners insurance replacement cost looks the way you want it to. Go over the policy with your home insurance agent to ensure you avoid all coverage gaps.

Affordable Home Insurance Replacement Cost Coverage

Although a homeowners insurance replacement cost policy is more expensive than a cash value policy, it is well worth the money. But just because it’s more expensive doesn’t mean it can’t be affordable. By comparing a number of different homeowners insurance quotes and discussing your options with a home insurance agent, you could be benefiting from a quality homeowners insurance replacement cost policy at an affordable price in no time.

InsuranceAgents.com Staff contribution: Rafael Onak

InsuranceAgents.com, an Inc 500 fastest growing company, provides consumers with expert articles and insurance quotes from up to five local agents.