The car insurance market can appear complicated to potential consumers, not least with the sheer amount of possible providers available. However, there are tools at your disposal and steps which can be taken to ensure the competitive market is used to your advantage in obtaining a competitive car insurance quote.
First of all, you should be conscious of some of the basic factors which most car insurance providers base their quotes on.
Personal factors such as where you live and how old you are; Security of the car. If your car can be kept in a garage over night and is fitted with a security device such as an immobiliser then the chance of theft is reduced; Paying the policy up front. Monthly payments can add considerably more to the cost of the policy, although are often seen as a much easier way to pay; Increasing the excess on your policy. This shifts more of the financial risk from the insurance provider to you for minor claims; Reducing your miles per year
There are also different types of car insurance available and choosing the correct one to suit your needs is important. The most commonly recommended policy is fully comprehensive, which insures you and your vehicle against an accident or theft. The factors listed, including your personal circumstances and type of car, will ultimately have a bearing on the cost of the policy.
Other forms of insurance are termed third party. These policies are often cheaper but the level of cover is very basic. This can include fire and theft, but it is important to remember that it will not cover you for damages to your vehicle if involved in an accident.
Once you have considered the personal circumstances of your cover, and are clear of the factors which influence the cost of car insurance, one of the best ways to compare car insurance is via online comparison websites. Typically, such online comparison sites will search numerous car insurance providers with your given details, and will return a range of policy options.
In addition, online comparison sites will not only offer you access to some of the most competitive car insurance policies on the market, but they can also provide a clear indication of what factors are influencing the cost of your policy.
Indeed, using such tools and understanding what factors can increase or decrease the cost of your policy can go a long way in obtaining the best car insurance quote.
FOR MORE VISIT THIS OTHERS BLOG.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Avail Cheap Car Insurance
In UK, it is mandatory for car owners to have a valid insurance for their car. This necessity as well as oodles of uncertainties have put a serious need for car owners to avail a car insurance. Usually, people grumble about the insurance being a costly affair to avail. A cheap car insurance available at cheap rate, thus, becomes a sought after stuff for car owners. Before one has finally decided to buy any specific car insurance, there are some guidelines needed to be taken care of.
The first and most important thing needed to be considered by you is the type of insurance you are buying. Several of insurance agents may approach you to buy their insurance, and even you may be confused while picking the right one. The best way is to learn more about all types of insurance available in the market, and choose the one meeting your insurance requirement.
Shopping is the second most important point needs to be considered while buying cheap car insurance. As there is flood of insurance selling companies, it becomes harder to decide which insurance is better. Instead of relying upon any insurance agent, you should rather do some online research. You will have options to get free quotes. Compare the different quotes and then choose the best one meeting your budget.
Falling prey to brokers may yield you an easy access to buy the insurance, but they will look only their own benefits. Thus if you are buying Cheap Car Insurance through an agent, learn better about the kind of insurance and how it is going to benefit you. Before finalising any deal, it is better that you read all the documents, their policies and guidelines carefully. Check well about the hidden cash back, premium amount, etc. Being careful about such things may assure you to have a good car insurance while buying an insurance for your car.
TAKE CARE DRIVERS
Daniel Bell asked:
While driving can be a great deal of fun, shopping for car insurance is most assuredly not. Nobody rushes out the door in the morning anxiously awaiting the moment when they can start shopping for the best car insurance policy. Even though shopping for car insurance is not fun, however, it is important, and it is vital for everyone who drives a vehicle to have adequate protection in place.
When it comes to car insurance, many of us simply look for the lowest premium we can fund, but it is important to consider not only price but coverage as well. After all, the whole purpose of car insurance is to ensure that your assets are protected in case of an accident, and the accident scene is not the place to find out that the coverage you purchased is not adequate.
It is important to look carefully at the minimum coverage mandated by law and determine if that minimum coverage is really adequate in the real world. It is important to look around at the value of the vehicles around you and make sure that the liability coverage on the policy will cover the cost of the majority of those vehicles. If your neighborhood is crawling with Rolls Royces and Jaguars, you may want to consider upping that liability coverage to a more realistic level.
It is also important to determine exactly what is and is not covered by that insurance policy. Many drivers do not look at the exclusions and limitations of their policy until after an accident has taken place, but the time to do so is at the beginning. It is important to carefully read the fine print in order to determine exactly what is and is not covered.
For instance, travelers will want to determine whether or not the policy covers damage done to rental cars. Many policies automatically extend coverage to any car the insured person drives, whether that car is owned by another individual or a rental car fleet. This knowledge can help the traveler save a bundle by declining the coverage offered by the rental car company.
Drivers will also want to make sure that their policy covers other licensed drivers who may drive their car from time to time. If there is any question on this subject it is important to clear it up before anyone else is allowed to drive the car. And of course no policy will cover damage done by an unlicensed or uninsured driver.
Those drivers who plan to use their car for business will also want to make sure that the car insurance company is aware of that use. Some insurers will charge extra if the vehicle is used for delivery or other business purposes, while others may provide no coverage for business use at all. It is important to read the fine print and ask the agent if necessary.
When it comes to insurance the exclusions can make all the difference. It is vital for every insurance shopper to focus not just on what is covered but what may not be covered as well. Knowing which actions are not covered by insurance will help drivers and car owners tailor their activities to provide the most protection at the least possible cost.
While driving can be a great deal of fun, shopping for car insurance is most assuredly not. Nobody rushes out the door in the morning anxiously awaiting the moment when they can start shopping for the best car insurance policy. Even though shopping for car insurance is not fun, however, it is important, and it is vital for everyone who drives a vehicle to have adequate protection in place.
When it comes to car insurance, many of us simply look for the lowest premium we can fund, but it is important to consider not only price but coverage as well. After all, the whole purpose of car insurance is to ensure that your assets are protected in case of an accident, and the accident scene is not the place to find out that the coverage you purchased is not adequate.
It is important to look carefully at the minimum coverage mandated by law and determine if that minimum coverage is really adequate in the real world. It is important to look around at the value of the vehicles around you and make sure that the liability coverage on the policy will cover the cost of the majority of those vehicles. If your neighborhood is crawling with Rolls Royces and Jaguars, you may want to consider upping that liability coverage to a more realistic level.
It is also important to determine exactly what is and is not covered by that insurance policy. Many drivers do not look at the exclusions and limitations of their policy until after an accident has taken place, but the time to do so is at the beginning. It is important to carefully read the fine print in order to determine exactly what is and is not covered.
For instance, travelers will want to determine whether or not the policy covers damage done to rental cars. Many policies automatically extend coverage to any car the insured person drives, whether that car is owned by another individual or a rental car fleet. This knowledge can help the traveler save a bundle by declining the coverage offered by the rental car company.
Drivers will also want to make sure that their policy covers other licensed drivers who may drive their car from time to time. If there is any question on this subject it is important to clear it up before anyone else is allowed to drive the car. And of course no policy will cover damage done by an unlicensed or uninsured driver.
Those drivers who plan to use their car for business will also want to make sure that the car insurance company is aware of that use. Some insurers will charge extra if the vehicle is used for delivery or other business purposes, while others may provide no coverage for business use at all. It is important to read the fine print and ask the agent if necessary.
When it comes to insurance the exclusions can make all the difference. It is vital for every insurance shopper to focus not just on what is covered but what may not be covered as well. Knowing which actions are not covered by insurance will help drivers and car owners tailor their activities to provide the most protection at the least possible cost.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
How you Can Avail a Cheap Car Insurance
The increased uncertainty in everybody’s life has made insurance an important service to avail. Be it insurance for one’s life, one’s property or even for one’s car, the insurance is today a necessity that is meant to make one to bear any misfortune easily. As cars as well as its accidents have become an important part of our everyday life, insuring it is much in demand today by all car owners.
But availing an insurance for your car comes at a cost which is often high. The higher cost of car insurance put many car owners devoid of any insurance. But, as it has become mandatory in UK for everyone having cars to have an insurance, the number of people looking for a cheap car insurance is increasing. You may find several of insurance companies claiming to you to give you a car insurance at cheap rate. The important question is, do they really care about giving you an insurance for your car at cheap rate?
Some tips regarding how you can avail a car insurance at cheap rate can help you greatly in picking a good insurance. The first thing that you ought to think of is about the type of car you have. Some car models will let you pay higher premium amount against availing the insurance. Thus being careful while you are buying a new or old car is necessary. The second and one of the most important facts you have to consider is safe driving. If in previous year, you have paid 2 speeding fines, and have met 2 accidents, you will be not be allowed to avail a car insurance at cheap rate.
The another important step which you have to take up while buying a car insurance is to choose a good insurance company to get the deal. Finding an insurance which may give you a good deal for Cheap Car Insurance becomes easier by doing some online research. Besides, before you finally sign the deal, read all their policies thoroughly, and ask them wherever you have a query.
But availing an insurance for your car comes at a cost which is often high. The higher cost of car insurance put many car owners devoid of any insurance. But, as it has become mandatory in UK for everyone having cars to have an insurance, the number of people looking for a cheap car insurance is increasing. You may find several of insurance companies claiming to you to give you a car insurance at cheap rate. The important question is, do they really care about giving you an insurance for your car at cheap rate?
Some tips regarding how you can avail a car insurance at cheap rate can help you greatly in picking a good insurance. The first thing that you ought to think of is about the type of car you have. Some car models will let you pay higher premium amount against availing the insurance. Thus being careful while you are buying a new or old car is necessary. The second and one of the most important facts you have to consider is safe driving. If in previous year, you have paid 2 speeding fines, and have met 2 accidents, you will be not be allowed to avail a car insurance at cheap rate.
The another important step which you have to take up while buying a car insurance is to choose a good insurance company to get the deal. Finding an insurance which may give you a good deal for Cheap Car Insurance becomes easier by doing some online research. Besides, before you finally sign the deal, read all their policies thoroughly, and ask them wherever you have a query.
Shopping for car insurance
When you are Shopping for car insurance and the car is new or you are making payments on it, and especially if the car is on a lease, you will required to obtain full coverage on it. This protects your interests in the car as well as the interests of the title holder, who would be your car loan company. But the term “full coverage” has various different meanings depending on your insurance company, so be sure that you and your insurancecy company are discussing “full coverage”, you are both on the same page as far as the meaning of the term.
First of all, full coverage does not mean that you do not have to pay your deductible. You have a deductible amount for your various different car insurance coverages, and it may be a different deductible amount for each type of coverage. For example, you may have $500 deductible on collision and $1000 deductible on theft. But if either of those two things happens, you still need to pay the deductible amount, and the insurancecy coverage does not kick in until the amount of damage or loss exceeds your deductible amount.
You need to understand that you are not covered for EVERYTHING that could possibly happen to your car. For example, if you get a flat tire, that is not covered by your car insurance. Tires are known as a “consumable” which means that it is expected that these will wear out and need replacement at some point.
You may absolutely love your car and feel that there is no other like it on the face of the planet. But if you are in an accident, be aware that the insurance company needs to make a choice at this point and will almost certainly choose the cheaper option – is it cheaper to repair the damage on the car, or to declare it totaled and pay you for the fair market value of it, minus of course your deductible? You do not have a choice in the matter, regardless of how much love you had for the car, it is the insurance company’s decision.
On your car insurancecy liability coverage, it will cover you for injury to other people and property damage caused by an accident. But this coverage is not without limits. When you purchased your car insurance policy, you were told what limits would be placed on each type of coverage, and when that limit is reached, then the insurance company stops paying, and you may be personal liable. Be aware of the limits of coverage that your car insurancecy has to avoid this potential, but weigh this against the increased cost of the car insurance policy with the higher limits, and decide what is best for you. For example, if you totally wreck a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud that someone else is driving, chances are very good that your insurance company is not going to pay for replacement costs of that unique vehicle, which could run into 7 figures.
You need to consider what is reasonable for the type of driving you do and where you drive, and set the limitations and deductibles accordingly. A car insurance policy can be written in almost an infinite number of ways, but you get your best rates by factoring in the most logical coverages for you. And be aware that “full coverage” still has limitations, despite its name.
First of all, full coverage does not mean that you do not have to pay your deductible. You have a deductible amount for your various different car insurance coverages, and it may be a different deductible amount for each type of coverage. For example, you may have $500 deductible on collision and $1000 deductible on theft. But if either of those two things happens, you still need to pay the deductible amount, and the insurancecy coverage does not kick in until the amount of damage or loss exceeds your deductible amount.
You need to understand that you are not covered for EVERYTHING that could possibly happen to your car. For example, if you get a flat tire, that is not covered by your car insurance. Tires are known as a “consumable” which means that it is expected that these will wear out and need replacement at some point.
You may absolutely love your car and feel that there is no other like it on the face of the planet. But if you are in an accident, be aware that the insurance company needs to make a choice at this point and will almost certainly choose the cheaper option – is it cheaper to repair the damage on the car, or to declare it totaled and pay you for the fair market value of it, minus of course your deductible? You do not have a choice in the matter, regardless of how much love you had for the car, it is the insurance company’s decision.
On your car insurancecy liability coverage, it will cover you for injury to other people and property damage caused by an accident. But this coverage is not without limits. When you purchased your car insurance policy, you were told what limits would be placed on each type of coverage, and when that limit is reached, then the insurance company stops paying, and you may be personal liable. Be aware of the limits of coverage that your car insurancecy has to avoid this potential, but weigh this against the increased cost of the car insurance policy with the higher limits, and decide what is best for you. For example, if you totally wreck a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud that someone else is driving, chances are very good that your insurance company is not going to pay for replacement costs of that unique vehicle, which could run into 7 figures.
You need to consider what is reasonable for the type of driving you do and where you drive, and set the limitations and deductibles accordingly. A car insurance policy can be written in almost an infinite number of ways, but you get your best rates by factoring in the most logical coverages for you. And be aware that “full coverage” still has limitations, despite its name.
How To Get Cheap Car Insurance Quotes
Helen Hecker asked:
When you think about what you want in an auto insurance company it’s going to depend on what they can offer you in the way of discounts, insurance rates, coverage and quality customer service. A smart consumer wants to get the best low cost auto insurance or cheap car insurance rate especially when insurance rates are not as low cost as they used to be. And with the ease of being able to go online and get free, cheap car insurance quotes in no time at all this shouldn’t prevent anyone from finding out just what is available to them in mere seconds.
Automobile or car insurance rates and quotes are never going to be the same for each company. There are a lot of variables between plans. And of course if you are already insured you can stay with your current auto insurance company or go with a new insurance company, but low cost or cheaper rates may be a very good reason to switch to another insurance company. Once you do become insured with any company and you have an accident or theft, for example, and you need to phone your car insurance agent you want to know that he or she’ll be available and ready to help no matter what your needs are and no matter what time of the day or night it is.
Many insurance companies do offer lower or cheaper insurance rates or more affordable rates than other companies with the very same type of policies. You want to make sure to out exactly how much the deductibles will cost and what conditions are attached to them. You also should consider the longevity with your current company, especially if you have a good record with them in case the length of your current insurance coverage plays a part in the rates you have now or other variables in your policy that might be different and more valuable to you than with any new company — even if it’s at a lower or cheaper rate.
Most, if not all, single line and multiple line companies offer discounts and other great benefits for carrying multiple car insurance policies and discounts for other lines of insurance in the same household.
For students, in the U.S. many insurers offer a good grade discount to students with a good academic record and resident student discounts to those who live away from home. Senior drivers are often eligible for retirement discounts reflecting lower than average miles driven in this age group.
You can also find a number of insurance companies that offer discounts to good drivers. This is another good reason to concentrate on driving defensively and keeping focused on your driving. Avoiding accidents will keep definitely your insurance costs down. Make sure to keep the kids quiet so you can concentrate on your driving. Keep them busy with quiet car games that are kept solely for this purpose or give rewards for quiet or good behavior. Every auto insurance company has low cost deductions; make sure you ask what they are.
If you haven’t had any accidents that were your fault and you are a good driver, then be sure to consider getting a higher deductible so you would pay out a larger amount of money in the event you do have an accident that is your fault but will still save on your insurance premium. You do want to compare and compare the cheap car insurance quotes that you do get. Some of them may be very similar but some quotes could be quite different. It’s surprising to see how much they can vary from company to company.
Teenage drivers who have little or no driving record to speak of will have higher car insurance premiums. But the young drivers are often offered discounts if they take further driver training on established or recognized courses. The UK has one called the Pass Plus scheme. In the US you may have to do a little more research. Some car insurance companies offer special discounts for women too so if you are female be sure to ask if they have any.
These are just some of the best tips that can help you save money on your auto insurance and give you some idea of what to ask and of what to look for when you’re trying to get a cheap car insurance quote. If you know of someone who wants to get cheaper car insurance quotes but they don’t have or don’t know how to use a computer, why not volunteer to help them get a few online cheap car insurance quotes. And remember you want to get the best quality car insurance with the cheapest auto insurance rates and the best customer service.
When you think about what you want in an auto insurance company it’s going to depend on what they can offer you in the way of discounts, insurance rates, coverage and quality customer service. A smart consumer wants to get the best low cost auto insurance or cheap car insurance rate especially when insurance rates are not as low cost as they used to be. And with the ease of being able to go online and get free, cheap car insurance quotes in no time at all this shouldn’t prevent anyone from finding out just what is available to them in mere seconds.
Automobile or car insurance rates and quotes are never going to be the same for each company. There are a lot of variables between plans. And of course if you are already insured you can stay with your current auto insurance company or go with a new insurance company, but low cost or cheaper rates may be a very good reason to switch to another insurance company. Once you do become insured with any company and you have an accident or theft, for example, and you need to phone your car insurance agent you want to know that he or she’ll be available and ready to help no matter what your needs are and no matter what time of the day or night it is.
Many insurance companies do offer lower or cheaper insurance rates or more affordable rates than other companies with the very same type of policies. You want to make sure to out exactly how much the deductibles will cost and what conditions are attached to them. You also should consider the longevity with your current company, especially if you have a good record with them in case the length of your current insurance coverage plays a part in the rates you have now or other variables in your policy that might be different and more valuable to you than with any new company — even if it’s at a lower or cheaper rate.
Most, if not all, single line and multiple line companies offer discounts and other great benefits for carrying multiple car insurance policies and discounts for other lines of insurance in the same household.
For students, in the U.S. many insurers offer a good grade discount to students with a good academic record and resident student discounts to those who live away from home. Senior drivers are often eligible for retirement discounts reflecting lower than average miles driven in this age group.
You can also find a number of insurance companies that offer discounts to good drivers. This is another good reason to concentrate on driving defensively and keeping focused on your driving. Avoiding accidents will keep definitely your insurance costs down. Make sure to keep the kids quiet so you can concentrate on your driving. Keep them busy with quiet car games that are kept solely for this purpose or give rewards for quiet or good behavior. Every auto insurance company has low cost deductions; make sure you ask what they are.
If you haven’t had any accidents that were your fault and you are a good driver, then be sure to consider getting a higher deductible so you would pay out a larger amount of money in the event you do have an accident that is your fault but will still save on your insurance premium. You do want to compare and compare the cheap car insurance quotes that you do get. Some of them may be very similar but some quotes could be quite different. It’s surprising to see how much they can vary from company to company.
Teenage drivers who have little or no driving record to speak of will have higher car insurance premiums. But the young drivers are often offered discounts if they take further driver training on established or recognized courses. The UK has one called the Pass Plus scheme. In the US you may have to do a little more research. Some car insurance companies offer special discounts for women too so if you are female be sure to ask if they have any.
These are just some of the best tips that can help you save money on your auto insurance and give you some idea of what to ask and of what to look for when you’re trying to get a cheap car insurance quote. If you know of someone who wants to get cheaper car insurance quotes but they don’t have or don’t know how to use a computer, why not volunteer to help them get a few online cheap car insurance quotes. And remember you want to get the best quality car insurance with the cheapest auto insurance rates and the best customer service.
Friday, July 17, 2009
HOW TO GET CHEAP INSURANCE
How To Get Cheap Car Insurance Quotes
Helen Hecker asked:
When you think about what you want in an auto insurance company it’s going to depend on what they can offer you in the way of discounts, insurance rates, coverage and quality customer service. A smart consumer wants to get the best low cost auto insurance or cheap car insurance rate especially when insurance rates are not as low cost as they used to be. And with the ease of being able to go online and get free, cheap car insurance quotes in no time at all this shouldn’t prevent anyone from finding out just what is available to them in mere seconds.
Automobile or car insurance rates and quotes are never going to be the same for each company. There are a lot of variables between plans. And of course if you are already insured you can stay with your current auto insurance company or go with a new insurance company, but low cost or cheaper rates may be a very good reason to switch to another insurance company. Once you do become insured with any company and you have an accident or theft, for example, and you need to phone your car insurance agent you want to know that he or she’ll be available and ready to help no matter what your needs are and no matter what time of the day or night it is.
Many insurance companies do offer lower or cheaper insurance rates or more affordable rates than other companies with the very same type of policies. You want to make sure to out exactly how much the deductibles will cost and what conditions are attached to them. You also should consider the longevity with your current company, especially if you have a good record with them in case the length of your current insurance coverage plays a part in the rates you have now or other variables in your policy that might be different and more valuable to you than with any new company — even if it’s at a lower or cheaper rate.
Most, if not all, single line and multiple line companies offer discounts and other great benefits for carrying multiple car insurance policies and discounts for other lines of insurancecy in the same household.
For students, in the U.S. many insurers offer a good grade discount to students with a good academic record and resident student discounts to those who live away from home. Senior drivers are often eligible for retirement discounts reflecting lower than average miles driven in this age group.
You can also find a number of insurance companies that offer discounts to good drivers. This is another good reason to concentrate on driving defensively and keeping focused on your driving. Avoiding accidents will keep definitely your insurance costs down. Make sure to keep the kids quiet so you can concentrate on your driving. Keep them busy with quiet car games that are kept solely for this purpose or give rewards for quiet or good behavior. Every auto insurance company has low cost deductions; make sure you ask what they are.
If you haven’t had any accidents that were your fault and you are a good driver, then be sure to consider getting a higher deductible so you would pay out a larger amount of money in the event you do have an accident that is your fault but will still save on your insurancecy premium. You do want to compare and compare the cheap car insurance quotes that you do get. Some of them may be very similar but some quotes could be quite different. It’s surprising to see how much they can vary from company to company.
Teenage drivers who have little or no driving record to speak of will have higher car insurance premiums. But the young drivers are often offered discounts if they take further driver training on established or recognized courses. The UK has one called the Pass Plus scheme. In the US you may have to do a little more research. Some car insurancecy companies offer special discounts for women too so if you are female be sure to ask if they have any.
These are just some of the best tips that can help you save money on your auto insurance and give you some idea of what to ask and of what to look for when you’re trying to get a cheap car insurance quote. If you know of someone who wants to get cheaper car insurance quotes but they don’t have or don’t know how to use a computer, why not volunteer to help them get a few online cheap car insurance quotes. And remember you want to get the best quality car insurancecy with the cheapest auto insurance rates and the best customer service.
Helen Hecker asked:
When you think about what you want in an auto insurance company it’s going to depend on what they can offer you in the way of discounts, insurance rates, coverage and quality customer service. A smart consumer wants to get the best low cost auto insurance or cheap car insurance rate especially when insurance rates are not as low cost as they used to be. And with the ease of being able to go online and get free, cheap car insurance quotes in no time at all this shouldn’t prevent anyone from finding out just what is available to them in mere seconds.
Automobile or car insurance rates and quotes are never going to be the same for each company. There are a lot of variables between plans. And of course if you are already insured you can stay with your current auto insurance company or go with a new insurance company, but low cost or cheaper rates may be a very good reason to switch to another insurance company. Once you do become insured with any company and you have an accident or theft, for example, and you need to phone your car insurance agent you want to know that he or she’ll be available and ready to help no matter what your needs are and no matter what time of the day or night it is.
Many insurance companies do offer lower or cheaper insurance rates or more affordable rates than other companies with the very same type of policies. You want to make sure to out exactly how much the deductibles will cost and what conditions are attached to them. You also should consider the longevity with your current company, especially if you have a good record with them in case the length of your current insurance coverage plays a part in the rates you have now or other variables in your policy that might be different and more valuable to you than with any new company — even if it’s at a lower or cheaper rate.
Most, if not all, single line and multiple line companies offer discounts and other great benefits for carrying multiple car insurance policies and discounts for other lines of insurancecy in the same household.
For students, in the U.S. many insurers offer a good grade discount to students with a good academic record and resident student discounts to those who live away from home. Senior drivers are often eligible for retirement discounts reflecting lower than average miles driven in this age group.
You can also find a number of insurance companies that offer discounts to good drivers. This is another good reason to concentrate on driving defensively and keeping focused on your driving. Avoiding accidents will keep definitely your insurance costs down. Make sure to keep the kids quiet so you can concentrate on your driving. Keep them busy with quiet car games that are kept solely for this purpose or give rewards for quiet or good behavior. Every auto insurance company has low cost deductions; make sure you ask what they are.
If you haven’t had any accidents that were your fault and you are a good driver, then be sure to consider getting a higher deductible so you would pay out a larger amount of money in the event you do have an accident that is your fault but will still save on your insurancecy premium. You do want to compare and compare the cheap car insurance quotes that you do get. Some of them may be very similar but some quotes could be quite different. It’s surprising to see how much they can vary from company to company.
Teenage drivers who have little or no driving record to speak of will have higher car insurance premiums. But the young drivers are often offered discounts if they take further driver training on established or recognized courses. The UK has one called the Pass Plus scheme. In the US you may have to do a little more research. Some car insurancecy companies offer special discounts for women too so if you are female be sure to ask if they have any.
These are just some of the best tips that can help you save money on your auto insurance and give you some idea of what to ask and of what to look for when you’re trying to get a cheap car insurance quote. If you know of someone who wants to get cheaper car insurance quotes but they don’t have or don’t know how to use a computer, why not volunteer to help them get a few online cheap car insurance quotes. And remember you want to get the best quality car insurancecy with the cheapest auto insurance rates and the best customer service.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
ALL HEALTH SAVINGS
Health Insurance - Saving Much And Still Having The Best Coverage
Is any health insurance policy enough health insurance? I don't think so! You can pay so much for coverage that isn't the best for you. Furthermore, you could be paying a little too much for inferior coverage just because you didn't take some time out to do a few things...
1) Understand what you really need. In health insurance, it really shouldn't be about what's most convenient. Remember, we are talking about your life here. This is not one such areas you can cut corners without grave consequences.
The health insurance coverage you think is great for you may not be all you need. Take out a few minutes to ask your doctor what's really best for you. Trust him/her on this one.
2) Get details about the kind of coverage you've been advised to get. A better understanding is always an advantage and will save you so much somewhere along the line.
3) Ask around to ensure you're in good hands. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
The Better Business Bureau will give you insight into how an insurer treats its customers from the number of complaints file against them and how they were resolved. NCQA will show you how the insurancecy plan you intend to use is rated and also if it's even accredited.
4) Before or while you do all these, get online and visit as many health insurance quotes and comparison sites. These sites will help you get the lowest rates possible for the plan you are interested in. Do all within your power to get quotes from at least two of such sites.
Still do this if you haven't gone through steps 1) to 3). Just make sure you do them before buying a policy. For now, make sure you get those quotes. Procrastination is a killer of great intentions.
Get your health insurancecy quotes here...
Quick And Free Health Insurance Quotes
Free Health Insurance Quotes From Hometown
Chimezirim Odimba writes on health insurance.
Is any health insurance policy enough health insurance? I don't think so! You can pay so much for coverage that isn't the best for you. Furthermore, you could be paying a little too much for inferior coverage just because you didn't take some time out to do a few things...
1) Understand what you really need. In health insurance, it really shouldn't be about what's most convenient. Remember, we are talking about your life here. This is not one such areas you can cut corners without grave consequences.
The health insurance coverage you think is great for you may not be all you need. Take out a few minutes to ask your doctor what's really best for you. Trust him/her on this one.
2) Get details about the kind of coverage you've been advised to get. A better understanding is always an advantage and will save you so much somewhere along the line.
3) Ask around to ensure you're in good hands. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
The Better Business Bureau will give you insight into how an insurer treats its customers from the number of complaints file against them and how they were resolved. NCQA will show you how the insurancecy plan you intend to use is rated and also if it's even accredited.
4) Before or while you do all these, get online and visit as many health insurance quotes and comparison sites. These sites will help you get the lowest rates possible for the plan you are interested in. Do all within your power to get quotes from at least two of such sites.
Still do this if you haven't gone through steps 1) to 3). Just make sure you do them before buying a policy. For now, make sure you get those quotes. Procrastination is a killer of great intentions.
Get your health insurancecy quotes here...
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Chimezirim Odimba writes on health insurance.
Auto insurane AIG
Auto insurane AIG
This insurance policy
is essential for all motor vehicle owners since it protects them from legal liabilities that might arise during their vehicle operation. This insurance policy also known as the Act Only policy covers the act liability of the insured vehicle that forms a compulsory requirement of the Motor Insurance Act. No vehicle can be used without this insurance cover and use of the vehicle without this insurance cover is a penal offence.
Bankruptcy law
Bankruptcy law is the name given to the branch of civil law that covers federal bankruptcy and state insolvency laws and regulations as they apply to individuals, municipalities, and businesses. During bankruptcy, a court administers the estate (the property and other assets) of a debtor (a person or business who owes money to others) for the benefit of creditors (a person or business that is owed money). In voluntary bankruptcy proceedings, individuals or businesses may file for bankruptcy in an attempt to resolve a hopeless financial situation; although, from time to time, a creditor may force the filing of an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding. Please read on to find a bankruptcy lawyer, bankruptcy attorney or to learn more about bankruptcy information including the new bankruptcy law. Bankrupty attorney and bankruptcy lawyer information provided by Lawyers.com.
The insurance industry and rent seeking
Certain insurance products and practices have been described as rent seeking by critics. That is, insurance companies have been alleged to have certain products or practices that are only useful due to certain government laws (especially tax laws), and that the insurance industry in these cases generally adds no economic value but instead supports politicians who will continue the legal regime which gives the insurance company these benefits. For example, in the United States the current tax rules generally allow owners of variable annuities (see annuity (US financial products) and variable life insurance (see variable universal life insurance) to invest in the stock market and defer or eliminate paying any taxes until withdrawals are made. Sometimes this tax deferral is the only reason some individuals use these products instead of a mutual fund. Another example is the legal infrastructure which allows life insurance to be held in an irrevocable trust which is used to pay an estate tax while the proceeds themselves are immune from the estate tax.
This insurance policy
is essential for all motor vehicle owners since it protects them from legal liabilities that might arise during their vehicle operation. This insurance policy also known as the Act Only policy covers the act liability of the insured vehicle that forms a compulsory requirement of the Motor Insurance Act. No vehicle can be used without this insurance cover and use of the vehicle without this insurance cover is a penal offence.
Bankruptcy law
Bankruptcy law is the name given to the branch of civil law that covers federal bankruptcy and state insolvency laws and regulations as they apply to individuals, municipalities, and businesses. During bankruptcy, a court administers the estate (the property and other assets) of a debtor (a person or business who owes money to others) for the benefit of creditors (a person or business that is owed money). In voluntary bankruptcy proceedings, individuals or businesses may file for bankruptcy in an attempt to resolve a hopeless financial situation; although, from time to time, a creditor may force the filing of an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding. Please read on to find a bankruptcy lawyer, bankruptcy attorney or to learn more about bankruptcy information including the new bankruptcy law. Bankrupty attorney and bankruptcy lawyer information provided by Lawyers.com.
The insurance industry and rent seeking
Certain insurance products and practices have been described as rent seeking by critics. That is, insurance companies have been alleged to have certain products or practices that are only useful due to certain government laws (especially tax laws), and that the insurance industry in these cases generally adds no economic value but instead supports politicians who will continue the legal regime which gives the insurance company these benefits. For example, in the United States the current tax rules generally allow owners of variable annuities (see annuity (US financial products) and variable life insurance (see variable universal life insurance) to invest in the stock market and defer or eliminate paying any taxes until withdrawals are made. Sometimes this tax deferral is the only reason some individuals use these products instead of a mutual fund. Another example is the legal infrastructure which allows life insurance to be held in an irrevocable trust which is used to pay an estate tax while the proceeds themselves are immune from the estate tax.
INSURANCE LAW
Insurance law: an overview
In the absence of insurance, three possible individuals bear the burden of an economic loss; the individual suffering the loss; the individual causing the loss via negligence or unlawful conduct; or lastly, a particular party who has been allocated the burden by the legislature, such as employers under Workmen's Compensation statutes.
While types of insurance vary widely, their primary goal is to allocate the risks of a loss from the individual to a great number of people. Each individual pays a "premium" into a pool, from which losses are paid out. Regardless of whether the particular individual suffers the loss or not the premium is not returnable. Thus, when a building burns down, the loss is spread to the people contributing to the pool. In general, insurance companies are the safekeepers of the premiums. Because of its importance in maintaining economic stability, the government and the courts use a heavy hand in ensuring these companies are regulated and fair to the consumer.
Up until 1944, insurance was not considered "commerce" and not subject to federal regulation. But in United States v. South-Eastern Underwriters Association, the Supreme Court held that Congress could regulate insurance transactions that were truly interstate. Congress then enacted the McCarran-Ferguson Act (15 U.S.C. § 1011) which provided that the laws of the several states should control the insurance business, but that the Sherman Act, the [[USC:15:12|Clayton Act], and the Federal Trade Commission Act were applicable to the insurance business to the extent that it wasunregulated by state law.
The McCarran-Ferguson Act, broadly speaking, gives states the power to regulate the insurance industry. While state insurance statutes override most federal laws, some portions of federal law (like federal tax laws) are always commanding. Therefore, when researching whether a particular law governs, a good rule of thumb is to ask whether the inquiry is related to the "business of insurance" (where state law governs), or whether it is related to peripherals of the industry (labor, tax, securities - where federal law governs).
Posted by Ivan at 2:36 AM 0 comments
Find the cheapest life insurance
PARTNER SERVICE
This is Money has teamed up with top independent financial consultants Torquil Clark to find you the cheapest life insurance deals on the market. You cannot find a cheaper deal.
Happy families
By applying for a no-obligation quote you'll get...
* - instant quotes on your computer screen
* - a full search the UK's leading insurance companies
* - the lowest possible premium for your needs
* - price promise*
* - full telephone back-up - including free advice
* - quick and easy application process if you choose to proceed.
* Price promise: our partner works hard to secure the lowest possible prices for your needs. In the unlikely event that you find a cheaper quote for a similar product on the same day we they will beat it without question.
Posted by Ivan at 2:33 AM 0 comments

As a business owner, you're used to taking some risks. But your insurance company doesn't have to be one of them. Our agents understand the needs of small businesses like yours and can help protect your business and plan a roadmap for your financial future.
Combined with the exceptional claim service and stability of State Farm, we can help you build a plan that gives you the peace of mind you need. Talk to your local State Farm agent about the many different options for your business.
Posted by Ivan at 2:29 AM 0 comments
Insurance, in law and economics, is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent loss. Insurance is defined as the equitable transfer of the risk of a potential loss, from one entity to another, in exchange for a premium. Insurer, in economics, is the company that sells the insurance. Insurance rate is a factor used to determine the amount, called the premium, to be charged for a certain amount of insurance coverage. Risk management, the practice of appraising and controlling risk, has evolved as a discrete field of study and practice.
In the absence of insurance, three possible individuals bear the burden of an economic loss; the individual suffering the loss; the individual causing the loss via negligence or unlawful conduct; or lastly, a particular party who has been allocated the burden by the legislature, such as employers under Workmen's Compensation statutes.
While types of insurance vary widely, their primary goal is to allocate the risks of a loss from the individual to a great number of people. Each individual pays a "premium" into a pool, from which losses are paid out. Regardless of whether the particular individual suffers the loss or not the premium is not returnable. Thus, when a building burns down, the loss is spread to the people contributing to the pool. In general, insurance companies are the safekeepers of the premiums. Because of its importance in maintaining economic stability, the government and the courts use a heavy hand in ensuring these companies are regulated and fair to the consumer.
Up until 1944, insurance was not considered "commerce" and not subject to federal regulation. But in United States v. South-Eastern Underwriters Association, the Supreme Court held that Congress could regulate insurance transactions that were truly interstate. Congress then enacted the McCarran-Ferguson Act (15 U.S.C. § 1011) which provided that the laws of the several states should control the insurance business, but that the Sherman Act, the [[USC:15:12|Clayton Act], and the Federal Trade Commission Act were applicable to the insurance business to the extent that it wasunregulated by state law.
The McCarran-Ferguson Act, broadly speaking, gives states the power to regulate the insurance industry. While state insurance statutes override most federal laws, some portions of federal law (like federal tax laws) are always commanding. Therefore, when researching whether a particular law governs, a good rule of thumb is to ask whether the inquiry is related to the "business of insurance" (where state law governs), or whether it is related to peripherals of the industry (labor, tax, securities - where federal law governs).
Posted by Ivan at 2:36 AM 0 comments
Find the cheapest life insurance
PARTNER SERVICE
This is Money has teamed up with top independent financial consultants Torquil Clark to find you the cheapest life insurance deals on the market. You cannot find a cheaper deal.
Happy families
By applying for a no-obligation quote you'll get...
* - instant quotes on your computer screen
* - a full search the UK's leading insurance companies
* - the lowest possible premium for your needs
* - price promise*
* - full telephone back-up - including free advice
* - quick and easy application process if you choose to proceed.
* Price promise: our partner works hard to secure the lowest possible prices for your needs. In the unlikely event that you find a cheaper quote for a similar product on the same day we they will beat it without question.
Posted by Ivan at 2:33 AM 0 comments

As a business owner, you're used to taking some risks. But your insurance company doesn't have to be one of them. Our agents understand the needs of small businesses like yours and can help protect your business and plan a roadmap for your financial future.
Combined with the exceptional claim service and stability of State Farm, we can help you build a plan that gives you the peace of mind you need. Talk to your local State Farm agent about the many different options for your business.
Posted by Ivan at 2:29 AM 0 comments
Insurance, in law and economics, is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent loss. Insurance is defined as the equitable transfer of the risk of a potential loss, from one entity to another, in exchange for a premium. Insurer, in economics, is the company that sells the insurance. Insurance rate is a factor used to determine the amount, called the premium, to be charged for a certain amount of insurance coverage. Risk management, the practice of appraising and controlling risk, has evolved as a discrete field of study and practice.
BEST COMPANIES
All American life insurance
Life insurance is an important part of ensuring that your
family and loved ones are taken care of in the event of your death. You will
want to make sure that you have enough life insurance coverage to cover funeral
costs as well as any other financial commitments that you have so that your
family is not left with the burden of financial problems after your death.
Alfa Auto insurance
Life insurance is an important part of ensuring that your
family and loved ones are taken care of in the event of your death. You will
want to make sure that you have enough life insurance coverage to cover funeral
costs as well as any other financial commitments that you have so that your
family is not left with the burden of financial problems after your death.
All America insurance company
Life insurance is an important part of ensuring that your
family and loved ones are taken care of in the event of your death. You will
want to make sure that you have enough life insurance coverage to cover funeral
costs as well as any other financial commitments that you have so that your
family is not left with the burden of financial problems after your death.
Alberta insurance unemployment
Life insurance is an important part of ensuring that your
family and loved ones are taken care of in the event of your death. You will
want to make sure that you have enough life insurance coverage to cover funeral
costs as well as any other financial commitments that you have so that your
family is not left with the burden of financial problems after your death.
Alberta insurance motorcycle
Ask Jack! Answers california motorcycle Questions with Outrageous california motorcycle Solutions - The worst Ask Jack can do is match the best california motorcycle search result you have been offered! ... about alberta insurance motorcycle zee.co.uk. scooter insurance for ... Canada ... motorcycle insurance or ... motorcycle insurance quotes, motorcycle insurance, scooter insurance ...
Life insurance is an important part of ensuring that your
family and loved ones are taken care of in the event of your death. You will
want to make sure that you have enough life insurance coverage to cover funeral
costs as well as any other financial commitments that you have so that your
family is not left with the burden of financial problems after your death.
Alfa Auto insurance
Life insurance is an important part of ensuring that your
family and loved ones are taken care of in the event of your death. You will
want to make sure that you have enough life insurance coverage to cover funeral
costs as well as any other financial commitments that you have so that your
family is not left with the burden of financial problems after your death.
All America insurance company
Life insurance is an important part of ensuring that your
family and loved ones are taken care of in the event of your death. You will
want to make sure that you have enough life insurance coverage to cover funeral
costs as well as any other financial commitments that you have so that your
family is not left with the burden of financial problems after your death.
Alberta insurance unemployment
Life insurance is an important part of ensuring that your
family and loved ones are taken care of in the event of your death. You will
want to make sure that you have enough life insurance coverage to cover funeral
costs as well as any other financial commitments that you have so that your
family is not left with the burden of financial problems after your death.
Alberta insurance motorcycle
Ask Jack! Answers california motorcycle Questions with Outrageous california motorcycle Solutions - The worst Ask Jack can do is match the best california motorcycle search result you have been offered! ... about alberta insurance motorcycle zee.co.uk. scooter insurance for ... Canada ... motorcycle insurance or ... motorcycle insurance quotes, motorcycle insurance, scooter insurance ...
HOW DOES IT OPERATE?
How does Insurance Operate?
The contribution paid by a policyholder is known as the premium. The premiums are paid to the insurers who in turn accumulate the money into a fund from which claims are paid. Insurers are professional risk takers. They know the probability of different types of risk. Then they can calculate the premiums needed to create a fund large enough to cover any likely loss payments. Clearly only a proportion of the policyholders will require compensation from the fund at any one time.
For example, in car insurance a young person with a high-powered car, or a driver with a long history of accidents, will pay a higher premium than a mature and experienced driver with a modest saloon and a claim free record.
client provInsurance Types
There are 2 kinds of insurance, life insurance and general insurance. When you buy a life insurance policy you enter a long-term commitment where you agree to pay a fixed premium for a set number of years.
General insurance pays out IF something happens: a car has an accident, a house is burgled, a holiday is cancelled, someone is careless and damages another person’s property. Most life insurance policies pay out WHEN an event happens, when someone dies or when someone survives beyond a certain date.
What is Insurable Interest?
Insurable interest is a fundamental insurance principle. It means that the person wishing to take out the insurance must be legally entitled to insure the article, or event, or life. The happening of the event insured against must cause the policyholder financial loss. For example; Mr Smith would not be able to insure Mr Brown’s house because its destruction would not cause Mr Smith financial loss.
The contribution paid by a policyholder is known as the premium. The premiums are paid to the insurers who in turn accumulate the money into a fund from which claims are paid. Insurers are professional risk takers. They know the probability of different types of risk. Then they can calculate the premiums needed to create a fund large enough to cover any likely loss payments. Clearly only a proportion of the policyholders will require compensation from the fund at any one time.
For example, in car insurance a young person with a high-powered car, or a driver with a long history of accidents, will pay a higher premium than a mature and experienced driver with a modest saloon and a claim free record.
client provInsurance Types
There are 2 kinds of insurance, life insurance and general insurance. When you buy a life insurance policy you enter a long-term commitment where you agree to pay a fixed premium for a set number of years.
General insurance pays out IF something happens: a car has an accident, a house is burgled, a holiday is cancelled, someone is careless and damages another person’s property. Most life insurance policies pay out WHEN an event happens, when someone dies or when someone survives beyond a certain date.
What is Insurable Interest?
Insurable interest is a fundamental insurance principle. It means that the person wishing to take out the insurance must be legally entitled to insure the article, or event, or life. The happening of the event insured against must cause the policyholder financial loss. For example; Mr Smith would not be able to insure Mr Brown’s house because its destruction would not cause Mr Smith financial loss.
GOOD NEWS FOR MOTORIST
Insurance News
Motorists could save up to a third on their car insurance
Most motorists could save up to one third on their car insurance by shopping around.According to Sainsbury's bank over five million motorists obtain only one quote before buying car cover.This is in spite of the fact that the average motorist could save up to 32 per cent a year on their premiums by shopping around.Joanne Mallon, car insurance manager, Sainsbury's Bank said: "Spending a little time shopping around for your car insurance could save you hundreds of pounds a year in lower premiums. "You don't even have to sacrifice the quality of cover as you can often increase this while reducing your premiums."The reasons given for not shopping around ranged from 18 per cent who couldn't be bothered to 6 per cent who found it too stressful.
Motorists could save up to a third on their car insurance
Most motorists could save up to one third on their car insurance by shopping around.According to Sainsbury's bank over five million motorists obtain only one quote before buying car cover.This is in spite of the fact that the average motorist could save up to 32 per cent a year on their premiums by shopping around.Joanne Mallon, car insurance manager, Sainsbury's Bank said: "Spending a little time shopping around for your car insurance could save you hundreds of pounds a year in lower premiums. "You don't even have to sacrifice the quality of cover as you can often increase this while reducing your premiums."The reasons given for not shopping around ranged from 18 per cent who couldn't be bothered to 6 per cent who found it too stressful.
VEHICLE USER
Insurance News
Clamp down on uninsured drivers
The country's major political parties have been urged to clamp down on uninsured drivers.With general election campaigns now underway, the insurance industry is calling for an all-party commitment to the improvement of road safety. According to a report from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), Britain has one of Europe's highest levels of car insurance dodgers. Nick Starling, the ABI's director of general insurance, said: "These proposals must not become the innocent victim of the politics of the general election.""There must be no let up in the cross - party effort to crack down on uninsured driving." It is believed that at any one time around five per cent of UK drivers are uninsured. The introduction of tighter insurance controls should drop premium costs for honest drivers who currently pick up the costs of the uninsured.
Clamp down on uninsured drivers
The country's major political parties have been urged to clamp down on uninsured drivers.With general election campaigns now underway, the insurance industry is calling for an all-party commitment to the improvement of road safety. According to a report from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), Britain has one of Europe's highest levels of car insurance dodgers. Nick Starling, the ABI's director of general insurance, said: "These proposals must not become the innocent victim of the politics of the general election.""There must be no let up in the cross - party effort to crack down on uninsured driving." It is believed that at any one time around five per cent of UK drivers are uninsured. The introduction of tighter insurance controls should drop premium costs for honest drivers who currently pick up the costs of the uninsured.
VEHICLE USER
Insurance News
Clamp down on uninsured drivers
The country's major political parties have been urged to clamp down on uninsured drivers.With general election campaigns now underway, the insurance industry is calling for an all-party commitment to the improvement of road safety. According to a report from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), Britain has one of Europe's highest levels of car insurance dodgers. Nick Starling, the ABI's director of general insurance, said: "These proposals must not become the innocent victim of the politics of the general election.""There must be no let up in the cross - party effort to crack down on uninsured driving." It is believed that at any one time around five per cent of UK drivers are uninsured. The introduction of tighter insurance controls should drop premium costs for honest drivers who currently pick up the costs of the uninsured.
Clamp down on uninsured drivers
The country's major political parties have been urged to clamp down on uninsured drivers.With general election campaigns now underway, the insurance industry is calling for an all-party commitment to the improvement of road safety. According to a report from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), Britain has one of Europe's highest levels of car insurance dodgers. Nick Starling, the ABI's director of general insurance, said: "These proposals must not become the innocent victim of the politics of the general election.""There must be no let up in the cross - party effort to crack down on uninsured driving." It is believed that at any one time around five per cent of UK drivers are uninsured. The introduction of tighter insurance controls should drop premium costs for honest drivers who currently pick up the costs of the uninsured.
NEWS
Insurance News
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Forum for Latest Car & Motor Insurance News
This site provides a facility for interested parties to post news articles and links relating to motor insurance. Hopefully, over time, this will become a valuable information resource for stakeholders, those working within the industry and the general public looking for advice when buying their car, bike or commercial vehicle insurance...
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Forum for Latest Car & Motor Insurance News
This site provides a facility for interested parties to post news articles and links relating to motor insurance. Hopefully, over time, this will become a valuable information resource for stakeholders, those working within the industry and the general public looking for advice when buying their car, bike or commercial vehicle insurance...
Monday, July 13, 2009
INTRODUCTION

Insurance
Insurance, in law and economics, is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent loss. Insurance is defined as the equitable transfer of the risk of a loss, from one entity to another, in exchange for a premium, and can be thought of as a guaranteed small loss to prevent a large, possibly devastating loss. An insurer is a company selling the insurance; an insured or policyholder is the person or entity buying the insurance. The insurance rate is a factor used to determine the amount to be charged for a certain amount of insurance coverage, called the premium. Risk management, the practice of appraising and controlling risk, has evolved as a discrete field of study and practice.
Principles of insurance
Principles of insurance
Financial market participants
Collective investment schemes
Credit Unions
Insurance companies
Investment banks
Pension funds
Prime Brokers
Trusts
Finance series
Financial market
Participants
Corporate finance
Personal finance
Public finance
Banks and Banking
Financial regulation
v • d • e
Commercially insurable risks typically share seven common characteristics.[1]
1. A large number of homogeneous exposure units. The vast majority of insurance policies are provided for individual members of very large classes. Automobile insurance, for example, covered about 175 million automobiles in the United States in 2004.[2] The existence of a large number of homogeneous exposure units allows insurers to benefit from the so-called “law of large numbers,” which in effect states that as the number of exposure units increases, the actual results are increasingly likely to become close to expected results. There are exceptions to this criterion. Lloyd's of London is famous for insuring the life or health of actors, actresses and sports figures. Satellite Launch insurance covers events that are infrequent. Large commercial property policies may insure exceptional properties for which there are no ‘homogeneous’ exposure units. Despite failing on this criterion, many exposures like these are generally considered to be insurable.
2. Definite Loss. The event that gives rise to the loss that is subject to the insured, at least in principle, take place at a known time, in a known place, and from a known cause. The classic example is death of an insured person on a life insurance policy. Fire, automobile accidents, and worker injuries may all easily meet this criterion. Other types of losses may only be definite in theory. Occupational disease, for instance, may involve prolonged exposure to injurious conditions where no specific time, place or cause is identifiable. Ideally, the time, place and cause of a loss should be clear enough that a reasonable person, with sufficient information, could objectively verify all three elements.
3. Accidental Loss. The event that constitutes the trigger of a claim should be fortuitous, or at least outside the control of the beneficiary of the insurance. The loss should be ‘pure,’ in the sense that it results from an event for which there is only the opportunity for cost. Events that contain speculative elements, such as ordinary business risks, are generally not considered insurable.
4. Large Loss. The size of the loss must be meaningful from the perspective of the insured. Insurance premiums need to cover both the expected cost of losses, plus the cost of issuing and administering the policy, adjusting losses, and supplying the capital needed to reasonably assure that the insurer will be able to pay claims. For small losses these latter costs may be several times the size of the expected cost of losses. There is little point in paying such costs unless the protection offered has real value to a buyer.
5. Affordable Premium. If the likelihood of an insured event is so high, or the cost of the event so large, that the resulting premium is large relative to the amount of protection offered, it is not likely that anyone will buy insurance, even if on offer. Further, as the accounting profession formally recognizes in financial accounting standards, the premium cannot be so large that there is not a reasonable chance of a significant loss to the insurer. If there is no such chance of loss, the transaction may have the form of insurance, but not the substance. (See the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board standard number 113)
6. Calculable Loss. There are two elements that must be at least estimable, if not formally calculable: the probability of loss, and the attendant cost. Probability of loss is generally an empirical exercise, while cost has more to do with the ability of a reasonable person in possession of a copy of the insurance policy and a proof of loss associated with a claim presented under that policy to make a reasonably definite and objective evaluation of the amount of the loss recoverable as a result of the claim.
7. Limited risk of catastrophically large losses. The essential risk is often aggregation. If the same event can cause losses to numerous policyholders of the same insurer, the ability of that insurer to issue policies becomes constrained, not by factors surrounding the individual characteristics of a given policyholder, but by the factors surrounding the sum of all policyholders so exposed. Typically, insurers prefer to limit their exposure to a loss from a single event to some small portion of their capital base, on the order of 5 percent. Where the loss can be aggregated, or an individual policy could produce exceptionally large claims, the capital constraint will restrict an insurer's appetite for additional policyholders. The classic example is earthquake insurance, where the ability of an underwriter to issue a new policy depends on the number and size of the policies that it has already underwritten. Wind insurance in hurricane zones, particularly along coast lines, is another example of this phenomenon. In extreme cases, the aggregation can affect the entire industry, since the combined capital of insurers and reinsurers can be small compared to the needs of potential policyholders in areas exposed to aggregation risk. In commercial fire insurance it is possible to find single properties whose total exposed value is well in excess of any individual insurer’s capital constraint. Such properties are generally shared among several insurers, or are insured by a single insurer who syndicates the risk into the reinsurance market.
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