Small-business owners frequently encounter increased liability concerns during the course of day-to-day business.So do start-ups, not-for-profits and others engaged in business.In most cases, general liability coverage provides a level of protection suitable for most unanticipated situations.However, it might fall short in some instances.General liability coverage often specifically excludes criminal activity or other omissions of directors [...]

Employee benefit liability insurance is increasingly being seen as a smart step for small-business owners.In fact, given the rapid rate of state and federal mandates likely to impact employee benefit plans, experts consider it a prudent way to protect against inadvertent errors, omissions or other acts that could result in a lawsuit.There are two key [...]

Insurance tips offered by most companies usually focus on the need to protect your property against hazards such as fire, accidental injury or other common perils. But few homeowners spend enough time selecting the right options for their personal property.In fact, many assume that the automatic content coverage that comes with a homeowner policy is [...]

If you’re planning to purchase a new car, be sure to obtain insurance well in advance. Even if your policy does provide automatic coverage, it may not be sufficient to cover the cost of repairs for a more expensive vehicle. Following are some tips to help you get the right insurance when making a purchase.Call [...]

It’s a well-known fact that individual choices can lead to increases or decreases in your life insurance premiums.However, few people realize the full extent of how seemingly simple lifestyle decisions can dramatically impact policy rates. Of course, most people expect to see higher premiums if they smoke or use tobacco. But what about if they [...]

Medical evacuation insurance may not be at the top of your priority list when traveling, but for a growing number of people it’s fast becoming a “must-have” item.Also known as a “medevac plan,” this once relatively unknown form of insurance is no longer relegated to the jet-set crowd. Globe-trotting baby boomers, international sporting enthusiasts and [...]

Most investors understand that the basic benefit of fixed annuities is that they offer the potential for a guaranteed payment. Regardless of whether the economy or markets are performing well or poorly, an annuity pays a minimum amount of income every month. But just how much money should you put in an annuity versus other [...]

The benefit of a fixed annuity is the potential for a guaranteed payment.Regardless of whether the economy or markets are performing well or poorly, an annuity pays a minimum amount of income every month.But before you rush off and buy into one, you may want to determine that your expectations are realistic.You see, no single [...]

Flood insurance might be one of the most important forms of protection the average homeowner ever purchases.Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most easily overlooked.Following are some of the reasons flood insurance should be at the top of your insurance portfolio:1. Revised FEMA MapsMillions of homeowners across America have been surprised to learn they need [...]

Staying with the same agent or broker simply makes sense when it comes to property and casualty insurance.Following are some of the advantages of having a long-term working relationship with one agent:1. Continuous Coverage: One agent will be better prepared to quote complete coverage without existing gaps, and you’ll be more likely to save money [...]

Buying a life insurance policy is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family’s financial future. It can also be one of the most confusing tasks.The following are some mistakes to avoid when buying a life insurance policy:Mistake #1Procrastination is by far the most common mistake made by the majority [...]

More than half the nation’s population will spend time in a long-term care facility at some point in their lives, research shows. Unfortunately, very few people carry long-term care insurance.Long-term care insurance is perhaps a necessity for the nearly one in five Americans nearing retirement age. To find out if you’d benefit from purchasing long-term [...]

As the stock markets plummeted in 2008 and 2009, many pre- and post-retirees withdrew all their funds from their annuities.Many also took significant losses - something they’re still recovering from to this day.As a result, many people may now want to know if they can deposit any proceeds in excess of the cost of purchasing [...]

For many people, tax deferral is by far the most important benefit of choosing an annuity as a retirement savings vehicle.Because of that, it’s important that people understand at least the basics of tax deferral.Following is a brief overview of tax deferrals:Tax deferral is a means by which the payment of taxes on certain assets [...]

January is the perfect time to pause for a moment and reflect on the year that’s passed. It’s also a good time to prepare for the one ahead.Taking an inventory of your insurance needs is a great way to make sure that your hard work and New Year’s resolutions are protected against fiscal uncertainty in [...]

A common mistake made by the average driver is being under-insured. Unfortunately, what might seem like a small oversight can become a costly mistake. You can make sure that you’re purchasing the right amount of liability coverage by speaking with your agent and understanding the following important considerations:1. Understand how other assets can impact auto [...]

The start of a new year is the perfect time to review your life insurance needs. The following information will help ensure that you get off to a sound and secure financial start.Why You Need Life InsurancePlain and simple, life insurance is the ultimate form of protection for your family’s financial future. Whether you’re the [...]

Most people make it a priority to purchase adequate levels of home, auto and even life insurance, but few make the same commitment for disability coverage.Unfortunately, research shows disability insurance is one of the most urgently needed forms of coverage available. It is vital to ensuring financial stability, though, as nearly 80% of people are [...]

People who rent a car for the holidays can get the right insurance without paying too much if they follow a few simple steps.First, renters should call their insurance agents or brokers to clarify what type of coverage they need, taking into account limitations and exclusions as well as special situations that may apply to [...]

Purchasing condo insurance can be complex, so it’s imperative to work closely with your broker or agent to obtain the best price and policy.Why Are Condos Different?Due to the use of shared space and amenities, there are special considerations to keep in mind when obtaining insurance. Most condos include special fees to cover routine maintenance [...]