Tuesday, April 23, 2013

5 Most Common Insurance Claims

Want to know the most important insurance claims? If yes, then read the following article, as it is going to ease you in the best possible way. After all, by reading the following article, you are going to know the most common claims. Thereby, you are able to know the importance of certain claims. Thus they are going to ease us like never before as well. 

Following is the list of the 5 most common insurance claims 

Pet Insurance


This is the insurance which gets lots of claim and it has been further authenticated by the recent study as well. Out of ten people who have the pet insurance policy, four made a claim. The reason for their claim stands out to be the illness of the pet, accident or injury.


Wedding Insurance


Increasing numbers of wedding insurance claims occur due to lost deposits. It usually occurs if the hotel closes down or the catering fails to show up or the photographers are nowhere in the party. Hence, each and every single thing is covered under the policy.

Home Insurance


It is also on the list owing to its importance and utility. It usually occurs due to the water damage, fire or theft. While the claim for water damage is the highest since it covers whopping 69% of claims, due to faulty plumbing activity which results in accumulation of water or creating other unforeseen problems. 

Auto Insurance


Although, there are various reasons which are responsible for the claim against the auto insurance, yet the most important and common one stands out to be fender benders. There are minor accidents which occur near the parking lots or at the stoop signs. Although, the damage is indeed quite minimal, but the best thing is that you are able to know about the detailed policy and whether they are able to impart to what has been promised before or not. 

Cell Phones


If you thought, you cannot protect your phone with a specific policy, better think again. There is a policy for that. The need for the same arose mainly due to the fact that with the advancement of technology, there has been a boom of gadgets. The market has seen various expensive cell phones. Therefore, it equally necessitates the importance of insurance. There has been a high claim rate against the damage. Interesting news also did the rounds where the claim for ownership was made just within the initial four months of possessing the cell phone.

Finally, aforesaid are the 5 Most Common Insurance Claims. It is imperative for you to be on your toes towards gearing up for any sort of eventuality. After all, it is advisable to be prepared for the worst, than to repent later on forever. The article is indeed going to ease you in preparing for some of the unforeseen situations, as now you will have complete knowledge as well. Since, you never know that you might have to make a claim yourself as well. Isn’t it?


5 Tips to Keep Your Home Safe While Selling



Selling your home can sometimes be a long drawn out affair. With people coming and going into the house every day and loads of strangers trampling through. It may seem like just a temporary inconvenience but it can unfortunately be far, far worse. 

Opening your home up to so many strangers is making yourself vulnerable to uncomfortable situations. Imagine you alone at home and suddenly the doorbell rings in the evening with random strangers asking to be let in because they heard your house was on sale. Not very comfortable or safe is it?

Whether its residential or other suburbs or a tiny cottage in the country, you never know who you are letting into your home. We hear all too often of thieves and other perpetrators taking advantages of open houses or people who are in a situation to willingly let them in. 




Although this is a definitely an inevitable part of home buying and selling, there are definitely safety precautions you can take to keep potential danger at bay. Besides why ever put yourself in an unsavory situation in your own home! 


Let's take a look at a few preventive measures you can adopt, to make the process a safer one for you -


  1. Do not do it alone – If you don't have an agent helping you with the sale and handling buyers, it is best to avoid doing any showings all alone. Always have a friend, spouse or someone to give you company while you are letting people in to show them your place. Your risks will be significantly lowered if you do not show the house alone and it definitely isn't a chance worth taking. 
  2. Get all the information – When showing someone your home or planning to make sure you take down all their contact information and call and check the phone number as well. Note down all address info and never let anyone in the home without an id of some sort. 
  3. Invite visitors by appointment – Ask anyone who simply stops by for a look, to come back after scheduling an appointment. This tip helps you gauge who the serious buyers and those who just want to come have a look for fun. Also keep curious onlookers at bay by putting a ' showing by appointment only' line on your for sale sign if you have one or on the advertisement. 
  4. Keep a phone with you – This may seem like a no brainer but it is easy to sometimes just leave your phone lying around on a busy and hectic day. Always have a phone handy on you. Check if it is fully charged and good to use before showings and open houses and keep it on you at all times throughout the process. Let friends or family know that you are having a showing and at what time the appointment is and keep an emergency number ready to speed dial on your mobile or cordless phone. 
  5. Be careful of what information you give out – It is easy to fall into the trap of answering whatever questions potential buyers may ask you but never divulge information about your personal schedule, timings, who you live with or if you live alone and the like. It is also wise to not discuss what security systems you may have installed in the home. 
Selling a home can be a time consuming and tiring process. If you do not have a professional doing it for you, it is extremely important to safeguard yourself with a few common sense tools, even if you are rushed or busy.


Bio -
Steve Lobo is a real estate agent and has been in the industry for the past 9 years. He has shown clients many properties over the years and also is expert in reverse mortgage options. He believes that safety comes first and often advises people on the same. In his spare time he writes and runs his own blog.




The Insurance Costs of Senior Driving

Research has shown that older drivers may have memory problems, slower reflexes and impaired vision, factors that increase the risk of having an automobile accident. Whilst drivers over the age of 25 generally enjoy lower rates, drivers over the age of 70 are often considered "high risk" by insurance companies because of the assumption of more accident risk. 

If you're a mature driver, you've probably already dealt with the frustration of car insurance. Your premiums may have risen already or your insurer may have dropped you entirely. You don't have to give up driving completely just because of expensive insurance, however. If you shop around and do a little legwork, you can make your insurance affordable again.

Think "Safe"


Insurers will give you a lower rate if you have a newer car with a high safety rating with safety devices installed, such as anti-theft devices. You'll also receive discounts for completely senior driving safety classes. Check with your insurer or the companies you're considering for a full list of ways to get discounts on your senior policy.

If you have an older vehicle, consider your current coverage levels. You may not need comprehensive coverage on a vehicle with a low replacement value and states that mandate car insurance usually only require liability coverage. Liability coverage is less than a fully comprehensive policy and will protect you from some or all personal liability claims in the event of an accident. 


Drive Less



If you're not driving every day and can cut your driving down further, you may be eligible for a limited driving discount or limited policy. The limited miles policy will cost you less than a standard policy. This option will not work for senior drivers who still use their car frequently, as violating the limited miles amount will cost you.

If your spouse is on your current policy with you but has a poor driving record, you may want to consider becoming the sole driver in the household. Seniors with past accidents will have higher premiums and a harder time getting coverage than seniors with good driving histories. The driving record of covered drivers on your policy is a factor in your rates, even if you're the main policyholder. 

Compare


Auto insurers offer different types of products and coverage prices to senior drivers. Contact each insurer in your area for a quote on their rates for senior drivers. Compare quotes by premium amount and coverage level to decide which policy will meet your needs at the lowest rate. Be honest about your driving record to ensure you're getting accurate rates to compare.

Some insurers have quote forms available online, but you may have to give out some personal information. If you're uncomfortable giving out the information on the Internet, contact the insurer by phone to receive an accurate quote. Don't sign any policy paperwork or make any payments until you've reviewed the policy in full and confirmed the coverage levels and premium amount. You can find more tips on how to control your motor spending at www.CarFinance247.co.uk.



Built to Last: The Clothes that can Stand-up to Messy Kids

Investing in kids’ clothes that are built to last is an absolute imperative for any parent. Buying low-quality, cheap clothing simply means that you’re going to eventually end up spending a fortune on replacements.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the children’s clothes that are really built to last, and can stand up to the ways of messy kids.


Invest in cotton


It may be tempting to save a few pounds here and there by buying poly-blend t-shirts and shirts for your children. Making such a decision is, however, a false economy.

Cotton is one of the hardest-wearing fabrics on the market, and is especially suited to messy kids who will be sliding around on the floor, pulling each other’s shirts and plastering themselves in mud.

Cotton may put a few extra pounds on your clothes shopping bill, but its hard-wearing nature ensures that it won’t tear easily and need replacing in a matter of days. 

If you’re a little short on funds to purchase cotton clothing for your kids, consider having a little spring clean, collecting up any unwanted items, like CDs or DVDs, and selling them on a website, such as Music Magpie; the extra investment will certainly pay off in the long run.


Jeans


Denim is famously hard-wearing; if it’s good enough for builders, dockers and pioneers, it’s surely good enough to stand up to messy kids.

The great thing about denim is that, due to its popularity, the cost is fairly low. A quick look around your local superstore will see you unearth some great deals, and you’ll be able to snag a decent pair of jeans for your child for only a handful of pounds. Many supermarkets even offer deals on multi-buys, making jeans an excellent trouser choice for your messy kids.


Raincoats and waterproof trousers


A day out at the park, especially in the UK, invariably involves rain. And where there’s rain, there’s mud. If you’re prepared, however, mud stains on your kids’ clothes is not something that need concern you.

In order to keep the mud stains at bay, invest in a quality raincoat and waterproof trousers. While it may be tempting to choose waterproofs that have your child’s favourite cartoon character on them, resist the urge and plump for some hard-wearing waterproofs, purchased from your local outdoor shop.

Although these waterproofs may cost a little more, they will pay for themselves in the long term, as they will offer a protective barrier to mud, dirt, paint and whatever else your kids find themselves covered in.


Homemade chic


Whatever fashion decisions you end up making on your child’s behalf, a great way to make your kid’s clothes more durable is to make a few alterations of your own.

Consider buying some stylish patches, or fabric stickers, and sewing - or sticking - them onto the elbows of your child’s jumpers, as well as the knees of their trousers. It will take a matter of minutes to make this alteration, but those few minutes could end up saving you a fortune in the long term.



Monday, April 22, 2013

5 Alternative Ways to Invest in Real Estate

It is indeed a lucrative option to invest in real estate. There is no dearth ways by which you can indeed ensure the best ways of earning manifolds like the way you have always wanted. From placing home for rent to passive investment in Real Estate, you will indeed experience some of the best ways to earn a lot of money like never before. Therefore, it necessitates you to know the 5 Alternative ways to invest in real estate.

Lower Taxes


Real estate investors are eligible for various tax incentives which can turn the fortunes in their favor. Since, it is able to allow loss to turn into profit from the money which has been saved from deductions. It usually pertains to actual cost related with financing, managing along with operating the property. 

Appreciation the market value of properties


Being the most prevalent and widely used ways of profiting of real estate, you are indeed assured of the best possible results. Since, the appreciation of the property is done on periodical basis and it happens at a faster level as compared to the market value. Therefore, you are assured of great returns with the passing of time. Great, isn’t it? 

Identify the inflation rate of the area


Prior to investing in real estate, you need to help yourself towards identifying the inflation rate of the area. The price of the home increases at par with the value of the commodities. You can equally understand in other way as well. For example, during inflation, the value of the real estate increases and so the rest. However, the cost of mortgage remains static. Thereby, you will be able to save money on the maintenance costs as there will be an immense cash flow from the rent. 

Budget the real estate investment


You can save money in couple of ways that is pre-tax and post tax positive cash flow. A pre-tax positive cash flow signifies that the income is more than expense and the second method means that the expenses are comparable more than the collected income. In such cases, thanks to tax breaks, you are able to ease yourself. Hence, it is important to budget your real estate investment so that you are able to save a big chunk of your money by equally earning profits in the process as well. 

Purchase below market value


There are property sellers who are in immediate need to get their equity out of property. Hence, in such cases, they have no other option than to let go their prized property at far below market value. The properties which are in the verge of foreclosure will indeed take far less than the actual market value. This is indeed done so that further marketing expense can be avoided. At the time of purchasing the property, as an owner you are bound to enter an equity position (your profit) in the transaction.

Finally, aforesaid are the 5 Alternative Ways to Invest in Real Estate. You will indeed be enjoying to the fullest. Hence, strengthen your finances like never before.

Author Bio:

Raj pharmacist, real estate business expert and blogger from Hyderabad has various blogs on all kind of niches which include finance-insurance and financenize


Sunday, April 21, 2013

Online Coupons Can Help You Save Money


In any budget, buying food is one of your largest expenses. If you're like me your bills and expenses are not keeping up with your income. Over the last few years people have had to relearn how to stretch their money by budgeting more carefully and finding ways to get more value for their dollars.

One terrible by product of smaller food shopping budgets is, people end up purchasing cheaper more convenient foods. These foods are more processed and have lower nutritional value . As good parents you want to offer your children highly nutritious foods but it's hard when you have less money to spend. We need to learn new ways to give our children healthy foods without breaking the budget.

Have you heard about online coupons? This may be one way to solve your problem. Online coupons help those people who want to save money and time. Online coupon site Save1.com is a good place to start your coupon search. Here are the benefits of online coupons to help in your goal to save money:

  • Purchasing an online coupon when you are busy can help you save money. If you are going to compare two brands of food, you will notice that they are just the same when it comes to the nutritional value. Buy the food that offers a coupon and pocket the difference. If you want to save money and the time, before you shop, surf the Internet to find online coupons.
  • An online coupon can help you choose the less expensive but nutritious foods. This type of coupon is offered to promote and help people find foods that can be both nutritious and affordable.
  • Online coupons allow you to purchase the same brands you always have. Saving money with coupons allows you to not have to purchase the cheaper off brands which may not be as nutritious. The makers of online coupons want to help people save money when shopping for food.
  • If you thought the only way to serve healthy meals to was to spend a lot of money, coupons allow you to actually reduce the costs and stretch your weekly food shopping dollar.  With the help of online coupons you can focus more on the needs of your family and not worry so much about not being able to feed your them.

There is another benefit that online coupons can give. Many coupons offer recipe ideas that show you how to properly prepare your meals and offer tastier dinners your family will love. You can even find the best recipes that can help you lower the calories and eat more healthy.



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