Should you hire a risk manager?If you’re a small-business owner and not sure how to answer that, the following information might help. It could be one of the most important business decisions you’ll ever make.Risk Manager DefinedA risk manager helps identify, assess and prioritize the risk and liability associated with conducting business, then plans and [...]

As more small-business owners work from home, there’s a growing need for special insurance to protect visitors against accidental injuries or illness associated with the business function of your home. Following are some things to consider:Limitations: Many small-business owners are surprised to learn their traditional homeowner policies won’t cover accident and injury claims if visitors [...]

Managed care is a term that describes the services provided by entities such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs). Care provided via these organizations is meant to help reduce the cost of health care for both individuals and families.HMOs provide a full range of health care services. They have a high [...]

Cracking the complex and confusing lingo of life insurance can be a chore. Following is a tutorial that might help:Term Life: Term life insurance provides basic protection in the event of an untimely death. It can be purchased in various durations, ranging from five to 35 years. There are various types of term life policies, [...]

Many regular health insurance plans cover costs for treatment related to eye disease or injury to the eye. However, the cost of routine eye exams, glasses, contacts and corrective lenses is generally not covered. To obtain coverage for these services, a vision insurance policy would be required.Most vision insurance plans cover basic eye-related services like [...]

Two inches of water can cause nearly $8,000 damage to the average home, according to research conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).Not only is water-related damage one of the most common causes of an insurance claim, thanks to recent flood-zone revisions by FEMA, millions of homeowners are racing to find affordable flood insurance [...]

Perhaps one of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of auto insurance is the difference between actual value and a total loss.A total loss is when the cost to return the vehicle to pre-accident condition would be as much - or more - than the value of the automobile. It’s important to learn how total loss [...]

Many small-business owners assume they have flood insurance protection through their standard business policy only to find out they aren’t once disaster strikes.You can fight back by buying a flood insurance policy to protect your business before experiencing the worst.It’s an important step to protect your financial future, especially if your livelihood depends upon it.Who [...]

In today’s uncertain economy it makes more sense than ever to protect yourself and your assets from litigation with professional liability insurance. Unlike small-business liability insurance, professional liability protection covers the actual interaction with your clients, including malpractice and breach of contract claims.Who Needs It?Essentially anyone who provides a professional opinion, makes recommendations, or proposes [...]

Today’s economy has produced a vast change in the employment landscape. Nearly every day we hear about another company that has gone under or downsized, leaving hundreds or even thousands of employees jobless.Most people who have lost their jobs have also lost access to their health insurance. To many people this can be devastating, as [...]

One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for life insurance has absolutely nothing to do with the actual policy or price.In fact, it has nothing to do with anything other than a few simple choices made by the individual prior to completing the forms. However, those simple choices can save thousands or [...]

Dental care is essential to overall good health, but some treatments can be costly. That’s why it is essential to have at least some amount of dental insurance.Dental insurance works like many other types of health insurance coverage. Generally, the insured pays a regular premium to an insurance provider in return for various covered dental [...]

Now that market values of many homes throughout the nation have dropped, it’s more important than ever to obtain reliable replacement valuations when purchasing insurance.The following tips can help you estimate replacement costs and obtain the right level of protection for your family and future:1. Don’t Confuse Market Valuation With Replacement CostUndoubtedly this has led [...]

Whether you have a full-time nanny or hire an occasional babysitter for a night out on the town, it’s important to obtain the right type of insurance coverage for all your childcare needs. Use the following checklist when speaking with an agent about proper coverage options:Full-Time or Part-Time: One of the most important factors in [...]

Many Americans have medical issues that insurance companies define as pre-existing conditions.A pre-existing condition is a health problem that existed before the individual applied for a health insurance policy.These health issues are taken into consideration by the insurance company regardless of whether the applicant sought treatment.Minor conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol [...]

There are many disadvantages to buying insurance direct rather than through an agent.Following are some of the pitfalls that can be associated with doing it by yourself:1. Lack of Expert Advice Unless you are an industry expert, chances are you may not fully understand the complex and confusing language used to describe various programs and [...]

A health savings account (HSA) is not health insurance but rather a savings account that is used in conjunction with a high-deductible health insurance policy. An HSA can help save money on out-of-pocket medical costs and provide funds for an insured who has a limited health insurance policy or one that excludes pre-existing medical conditions.HSAs [...]

Great rates are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to auto insurance. Unfortunately, what you don’t know can cost you plenty when it comes time to renew or file a claim.Following are some tips to ensure that you obtain the coverage that will keep your family safe and sound:1. Out of Sight, [...]

Summer is the time of year when millions of Americans hit the waves for some fun in the sun.Unfortunately, there is more than one way to get soaked if you aren’t up to date on the latest in watercraft insurance.Following are some tips to help you get great rates on insurance for your boat or [...]

Insuring art and antiques is often quite different than the process involved for most household belongings, but certainly no less important. Use these quick tips to obtain the right coverage for the best possible price when speaking with your insurance agent:1. Obtain an Up-to-Date Appraisal: Antiques and artwork appraisals should be done by a qualified [...]