9 Ways to Save Money on Homeowners Insurance

1. Shop around:
One of the easiest ways to save money on your homeowners insurance is to simply shop around to look for the best deal. If you get quotes from multiple insurance providers and find a company that offers the same or better coverage for less money than you are currently paying, then by all means switch companies.
There are many websites where you can get instant quotes online by filling out a simple form with some of your information. You can also make some phone calls and talk to insurance agents or check consumer guides to find companies which might provide a better bargain.
2. Raise your deductibles:
The deductible is the amount of money that you are required to pay toward a loss before your insurance company starts to pay for a claim. Many insurance companies have a deductible of $500. If you were to raise your deductible to $1000 you could save as much as 25% on your monthly premiums.
3. Monitor your credit report:
More and more insurance companies these days are using credit information to set the price of a homeowners insurance policy. Anything you can do to improve your credit score could help you save money on your homeowners insurance.
4. Stay with the same insurance company:
If you remain with the same insurance company for several years, you may be able to receive a special discount for being a long-term policyholder. Some insurers will discount premiums by 5% if you’ve been with them for three to five years and by as much as 10% in you’ve been a policyholder for six years or more.
5. Use one company for different types of insurance:
If you use the same company for more than one type of insurance you may be eligible for a discount. For example if you use one company for homeowners insurance, health insurance, and car insurance you may be able to get a reduced price for all three.
6. Quit smoking:
It may sound strange but non-smokers can generally pay less for homeowners insurance than smokers. The reason for this is because a large percentage of house fires are caused by cigarettes. If you are a non-smoker there is less of a risk of your house being damaged or destroyed by fire thus, you may be eligible for a discount on your premiums.
7. Install a home security system:
Installing a home security system may also make you eligible for a discount on your homeowners insurance premiums. Houses with security alarms are far less likely to be burglarized. Since your insurance company would pay for any damage caused by a person breaking into your house as well as replacing any personal property that was stolen, the fact that a security alarm reduces the chance of this happening may make you eligible for a discount with your insurance provider.
8. Ask for additional discounts:
Another use a way to save money on homeowners insurance is to simply ask about any possible discounts. There may be discounts that you are eligible for that you don’t even know about. By simply calling your insurance agent and asking about any possible discounts you may be able to get a reduced rate.
9. Review your policy:
You should review your insurance policy once per year. If you review your policy and learn that you have more coverage than you need, you can reduce your coverage and pay lower premiums. On the other hand, after reviewing your policy you may decide that you need more coverage. If this is the case your premiums would increase but you would be protected in the future if you ever needed to make a claim.
For example if you were to build an addition to your house you may want to actually increase the amount of coverage that you have because if your house were to burn to the ground in the event of a fire you would want to make sure that your policy would pay to repair or rebuild your house. If you made a major addition and did not upgrade your policy your insurance may not cover the “new” value of your house.
Hopefully these tips offered you some food for thought. You should always talk to a competent professional regarding any major financial decisions but the tips in this article give you some good ammunition so that you are prepared for that conversation.

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Car Insurance - Advantages of Owning a Classic Car (part 2)

As pointed out in the previous article, there is a considerable amount to be saved for those that invest in a classic car compared to purchasing a modern-day car; particularly with regards to insurance, MOT costs and overall value. Petrol costs are generally similar to an equivalently powered modern-day car. Interestingly, many classic cars can be converted to run on LPG, using the same procedure as modern-day cars. This will obviously have a positive affect on annual fuel costs. The cost for replacing headlamps, radiator grills, bumpers etc. is usually considerably cheaper than that of modern-day cars. A typical rear lamp for a Morris Minor will cost in the region of £25, replacing the counterpart on a modern model can easily run into the hundreds! Therefore, the cost of minor repairs is also something that benefits the classic car owner. Another not so obvious reason for choosing a classic car over a recently manufactured one is the advantages this has on the environment. It is widely believed that the overall carbon footprint of nearly every modern car has a great deal to do with their manufacture. So by choosing to re-use an already existing model you are undoubtedly doing your part to benefit our environment. Furthermore, many of the components that make up today’s cars are designed to be binned and replaced on fault, hardly fitting with the “eco-friendly” lifestyles’ that we are encouraged to lead. Faults with older cars though, can usually be resolved by disrupting a much lower proportion of the vehicle. Lastly, there is the social aspect of owning a classic, from like-minded individuals flashing their headlights at you to joining an owners club or attending any one of the hundreds of events – owning a classic can be very enjoyable. Such clubs and events are amass with knowledgeable owners who are often more than eager to offer a helping hand to those new to the hobby. Moreover, the larger make-specific clubs are an excellent place to pick up rare parts.
As you can see there is much more to owning a classic than you may have first thought, it’s important to note that all of the financial advantages relating to insurance and running costs are based on the premise that your classic will be of a high standard and well looked after. The internet is an excellent place to read more about classics as well as finding classic car insurance , many of the larger car insurance comparison websites offer such features.

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Van Drivers Protesting Due to Van Insurance and Petrol Prices Rising

The cost of petrol now averages 114p per litre and diesel 126p per litre - an unwanted hike in addition to van insurance and road tax prices. The rising cost of fuel in the UK was yesterday protested by van and lorry drivers. Disgruntled drivers in the south of England headed to Marble Arch in convoys in order to express their dissatisfaction at increases across the industry. Organisers TransAction 2007 welcomed around 300 vehicles to an A40 protest, with a further 100 reported in Wales, according to Times Online. “We are not faceless multinational companies - we are small and medium family companies built up over generations with hard work and determination,” read a letter from the group to Gordon Brown. Meanwhile, French president Nicholas Sarkozy has stated that a Europe-wide cut in VAT would bring down the cost of fuel across the continent About 65 vehicles converged in Park Lane in protest at a 30% rise in diesel pump prices in 12 months. The organisers presented a coffin to the Houses of Parliament to represent hundreds of haulage firms they claim have gone bankrupt as a result. It follows a 48-hour strike at Grangemouth oil refinery in Scotland in a dispute over pension changes. Tuesday’s protest has been organised by TransAction 2007, one of the groups behind fuel protests in 2000 which caused 90% of petrol stations to run dry. The convoy started off in Kent and headed up M2 motorway into the capital. Organisers said fuel for a typical articulated lorry now costs up to £1,000 per week. The problem was exacerbated by foreign hauliers who arrive in the UK “full to the brim with cheaper fuel”, spokesman Mike Presneill said.

Caught Speeding? What You Can Do To Repair Your Driving Record & Insurance Premium

If you’ve been caught speeding lately then you know what points added to your driving record are going to do to your insurance premiums, that’s right, their going to increase. This is because you are now pegged a s a driver who is not so consciences of the rules of the road, By driving in this type of manner, you not only are pitting your self at risk but everyone who is driving around you. Their are things that can help you in the future to repair your blemished record.

First and this is a very important so listen up carefully, you have to stop driving so fast and start obeying speed limits. You may be a good driver and not caused any accidents thus far but the possibility is their because of how fast you drive. There are serious consequences to getting points placed on your driving record for speeding. You can get your license suspended. How miserable is that matter.

Points stay on your driving record for up to a few years. If you have insurance then you can expect your rates to increase because of this. Be careful though because in some states an insurance carrier has the right to drop you as a customer because of your reckless behavior and disregard to those around you. If this were to happen then you’re going to have a difficult time getting affordable insurance through another carrier.

There is hope for you though. If you just stay clear of any future moving violations or claims submitted by you to your current carrier then in time you can expect rates to start to decrease. Or at least, not increase any further. You might want to look into the kind of insurance coverage you carry. If you can afford not to carry full coverage that will save you some money if your car really isn’t worth that much in case you get into an accident and have to repair it. You might want to also think about reducing or eliminating collision coverage as well.

A bit of good sound advise is for you to just not get anymore violations. If you find yourself in the position of having to search around for other car insurance, then do just that. Shop around and compare rates and services fro several carriers. Don’t just settle on the first one that comes along or don’t let one tell you that you wont do any better.

Insurance companies are all different. Each state has their own set of rules and regulations so you have to check with each individual state law for accuracy. You don’t ever have to wait for the New Year to look into a new carrier to compare rates. That’s the best time to do that is before your next premium is due.

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Disabled Holidaymakers Told to Check Travel Insurance

Disabled holidaymakers have been advised to check their travel insurance to make sure it covers key areas. Brian Seaman, head of consultancy at Tourism for All, said individuals with a disability should ensure they have enough medication with them to last the trip and to check any accommodation they plan to stay in has sufficient facilities to cover their needs. He noted: “You may need to ask a few questions about the facilities; even if it says it is accessible you should find out whether it meets your particular needs.” New European legislation is coming into force from July this year that means airports will now be responsible for meeting the needs of disabled travellers as approximately two million disabled passengers use UK airports each year. Furthermore, a recent survey carried out by Leonard Cheshire Disability found that 37 per cent of disabled passengers have experienced negative attitudes from airport staff and those onboard flights. In other news, charity for the elderly, Age Concern, has reported that the inability to find cheap travel insurance for pensioners has been called “ageism” by one newspaper columnist. Writing earlier this month in the Guardian, Jackie Ashley called on the government to tackle the problem of prejudice against the elderly. Ms Ashley cited the opinion of one Age Concern campaigner on the issue of travel insurance for pensioners, saying: “The effect of insurance companies refusing even to give a quote to elderly people is like walking along the high street and finding eight out of ten shops with a sign reading ‘no old people here’.” Rather than searching for travel insurance, another article in the Guardian has revealed that many British pensioners may soon be “exploiting a tax loophole” by transferring their retirement pots abroad. Retiring overseas rather than simply holidaying there could cost the UK taxpayer hundreds of millions of pounds as wealthy pensioners escape paying British tax rates. Age Concern is the banner title used by a number of charitable organisations (NGOs) specifically concerned with the needs and interests of all older people - those over the age of 50 - based chiefly in the United Kingdom. In addition to providing practical support to individuals, Age Concern campaigns on issues such as age discrimination and pensions, and works to influence public opinion and government policy about older people. Numerous Age Concern organisations have been established throughout the UK, working at national and local levels. At the national level, four Age Concern organisations cover England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Local Age Concerns vary from small village groups to countywide organisations. In England, over 370 of the individual charities are members of a national federation. Although each is a separate registered charity working under the Age Concern banner, the federation allows members to collaborate at local, regional and national levels, to share resources, expertise and influence Age Concern’s origins are British and can be traced back to a realisation in that country of the effects on aged people of the second world war; the dislocation and breakdown of family life arising out of conscription led to a recognition that existing poor laws failed to provide effective support for old people separated from family support networks. In 1940, the Old People’s Welfare Committee (OPWC), chaired by Eleanor Rathbone, was formed as a forum for discussion between government and voluntary organisations. OPWC was a sub-committee of Liverpool Personal Service Society (PSS). In 1944, the committee changed its name to the National Old People’s Welfare Committee (NOPWC), and took on responsibility for coordinating the activities of numerous local OPWCs.

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Sofia is an author of several articles pertaining to Travel Insurance. She is known for her expertise on the subject and on other Business and Finance related articles.

Exercise and Life Insurance

With all this talk in the media about how people are getting fatter and exercising less, some of us might be wondering whether we’re doing enough to help ourselves stay healthy.
Images of trim celebrities in revealing clothing and a whole host of products that can help us lose weight (usually as part of a calorie controlled diet) are being constantly drilled into us through media exposure, causing a notion of body consciousness.
When it comes to exercise, there are worries that there will be an obesity epidemic in the UK, which could very well cause a rise in insurance rates.
Indeed, cheap life insurance risks becoming a thing of the past, for as numbers of those of us with certain conditions – such as diabetes – continue to rise, so the cost of policies could also increase along with your waistline.
Keeping a healthy and active lifestyle, exercising moderately several days a week and watching what you eat can be beneficial to your body and your bank account.
Experts recommend that 20 minutes of ‘moderate’ exercise throughout the week can help reduce the risk of certain conditions, as well as release endorphins that can contribute to making you feel better – both in body and mind.
Life insurance quotes can be hit-or-miss when it comes to your physical health. Taking small steps to ensure you stay in good health could also be good news for your finances.
Past or hereditary conditions can contribute greatly to an insurers’ decision. It is advisable to let your insurer know of anything that could potentially affect your cover.

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http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/exercise-and-life-insurance-477452.html

About the Author:
David is an experienced web author based in the UK

Life Insurance ? Genetic Tests are Postponed

Life insurance is incredibly important, providing reassurance in the event of your death, contraction of critical illness or terminal illness amongst other things. The policy will provide you and your loved ones with financial support in adverse circumstances. Topically, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has extended a ban which prevents insurers from using genetic testing to deny cover or increase insurance premiums. The restriction was due to run out in 2011 but has been extended until 2014. People have been worried about taking the tests in case insurance companies used the results against them. There are fears that these new tests will create a “genetic underclass” that are uninsurable. In order to gain insurance, experts were worried that individuals would avoid taking tests that were important for their health. The restriction was first agreed with the government in 2001 and states that insurers can only ask customers if they have had the testing I they require a policy to cover them for over £500,000. If the individual requests a policy over this amount then the company is allowed to ask for the test results. These tests are approved by the Government’s Genetics and Insurance Committee who has approved the tests for the brain degenerating Huntington’s disease. According to the Association of British Insurers, only 3% of policies requested in the UK are worth over £500,000. The ABI states that insurance companies should be allowed access to any information which can help them assess and price fairly, the risk which potential customers may pose. However, the price for cover should be based on sound and extensive information. Customers are encouraged to admit to any diseases or illnesses that they have or have had and that run in the family. By admitting to these illnesses, insurers can price their policies accordingly. If customers do not admit these illnesses on beginning a new policy they may risk the insurance company paying out for more costly claims and pushing up prices for all in the future. The ABI’s restriction (Moratorium) is designed to balance the concerns of policy holders and potential policy holders with a fair and commercially viable insurance market for all. The evidence insurers may gain from the genetic tests must be of a higher standard and be approved by an independent Government appointed committee. The point of the Moratorium is to protect the interests of both insurance companies and their prospective customers. Insurance companies will be allowed access to information and customers will not be pressurised into taking these tests.

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About the Author:
Steve is an author of several articles pertaining to Life Insurance . He is known for his expertise on the subject and on other Business and Finance related articles.

Holidaymakers Urged to Check Travel Insurance

Over the next few weeks, million of Brits will be heading off on their summer holidays, but a leading insurance company has warned those who have booked their holiday themselves to invest in more than a standard travel insurance.
A leading insurance company has found that between the months of July and September there are many people planning their holiday and this is traditionally the busiest time of the year for holidays, with over 16 million taking their summer breaks over this period in 2006.
Over the last few years however, there has been a change in trends from people going on package holidays to people booking their own holiday from scratch. ‘Independent’ holiday makers now outnumber package holiday fans and in the summer of 2006, 9 million holidaymakers did it themselves.
With the introduction of his new holiday trend, insurance providers have not kept up with the change and independent tourists may find that there are gaps in their insurance cover, such as; flights cancellations or delays, the customer being told they can’t board and missed connection flights. The insurance company who discovered these discrepancies in some holiday insurance policies have launched their own cover that helps cover all eventualities.
The company have said that they decided to come up with their own policy as travel insurance has come under criticism for some of the exclusions in typical travel insurance policy. In 2006 there were 21 million travel policies taken out and over half didn’t cover the requirements that people had.
Additional cover usually costs around £10 for an annual travel insurance policy for Europe and includes cover for such things as; delayed departure, the flight being overbooked and for any natural disasters that may occur while you are away.

A leading insurance company has found that between the months of July and September there are many people planning their holiday.
The insurance company who discovered some discrepancies in some holiday insurance policies have launched their own travel insurance cover.
Additional cover usually costs around £10 for an annual travel insurance policy for Europe.

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http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/holidaymakers-urged-to-check-travel-insurance-478883.html

Credit Crunch Affects Travel Insurance

A leading insurance company has urged British holidaymakers not to let the credit crunch stop them from taking out adequate travel insurance for your holiday this summer.
Research carried out by the insurance company found that at least half the number of Brits travelling on holiday would consider not getting travel insurance if their finances were a bit tight as a result of the credit crunch.
A television news programme also reported that we will all have less holidays this year with 33 per cent of people only having one holiday in the sun.
The insurance company have commented on the importance of travel insurance by pointing out the possible situations where you would want holiday insurance, including; any medical emergencies that can cost on average, £1,200. Another issue could be baggage claims that can cost around £220.
The company pointed out that, unfortunately, accidents and illnesses do occur on holiday and they can also mean hefty medical costs as well if you haven’t taken out effective holiday insurance. The company also gave the example of simply falling down some steps in Cyprus and breaking your leg which could cost you £18,000.
According to one travel company, around 6 per cent of holidaymakers are forced to end their trips early as a result of unforeseen accidents occurring whilst they are away.
This helps to highlight the importance of taking out travel insurance before going on your summer holidays. It is possible to find cheap travel insurance by searching and comparing prices of cover offered by different companies.

An insurance company has commented on the importance of travel insurance.
Hefty medical costs could be incurred if you haven’t taken out effective holiday insurance .
It is possible to find cheap travel insurance by searching and comparing prices of cover offered by different companies.

Article Source:
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/credit-crunch-affects-travel-insurance-477594.html

How to Lower Car Insurance Rates for Teenagers?

Almost all teens want to have their own cars. It maybe because of peer pressure or maybe they just wanted to enjoy adulthood by driving independently. Giving a car to a young driver is always a struggle - both for the parent and the teenager himself. While parents are worried about car safety and insurance premiums, young drivers are mostly concerned about how they fare with other kids their age who were already given a car by their parents. But at the end of it all, parents would have no choice but to give in to their teens as they reach the legal age. They would have to learn how to drive anyway. Purchasing the car may come later, as car insurance for teenagers can really be a big headache.

But once your teenager finally gets his hands on his driver’s license, the trip to the car dealer becomes imminent - unless of course you want him to borrow your car all the time. More than being concerned about the type of car you’ll give your son, you must be more interested on the car insurance coverage for teenagers. It could really go up the roof if you don’t know the techniques to make it low. With the guidance of a reliable car insurance agent, you will have more or less a good idea what kind of car will be perfect for your son.

Here are tips on how you can lower the car insurance for your young driver. Follow them and you’ll be ensured of the safety of your son or daughter.

1. Learn about deductibles.
This corresponds to the amount you are to remove from the total insurance claim. High deductible means lower premiums. Lower deductibles results in higher premiums.

2. Consider the car’s safety features.
When companies quote car insurance for teenagers, they always consider the features for safety of the car they’re driving. And so when buying a vehicle, get the one with airbags, automatic braking system, and pressure monitor. The more safety features the auto has, the lower the premiums will be.

3. Add your teenager to your own policy.
Some car insurance providers allows for a child rider to an existing policy. Check if this feature is supported by your own policy. This way, you’ll just add a minimal amount to your monthly premium and both you and your teenage driver will be covered.
Of course, safety comes first. Make sure that your teen is a responsible driver. Let him or her understand that driving is a serious task. By being a defensive driver and by following all the traffic laws enforced, it is easier to lower down the rates of car insurance for teenagers.

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http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/how-to-lower-car-insurance-rates-for-teenagers-477443.html