Thursday, December 2, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
A Typical Boat Policy
Every boat's got a different story. You can put together a boat insurance policy that fits your style and your personal watercraft perfectly.
How We Cover You
There's no way around it: When you're out on the water there's always a chance that something might go wrong. One of the most important things you can do is make sure you'll have help with medical bills if you should get hurt in an accident.
Medical Payments Coverage
If you or someone in your household gets injured on a boat covered in your policy, this coverage typically helps take care of the medical expenses that come afterward.
When you're in the boat, you're covered-and so are your passengers. Water-skiers being pulled behind the boat are also covered. If you or your passengers should get injured by another boat while swimming near your boat, Medical Payments coverage typically kicks in then, too. The limit you choose for this coverage will decide how much that coverage could be.
How We Cover Your Boat
When something goes wrong, good boat insurance coverage could mean the difference between sinking and swimming.
Physical Damage Coverage
This optional coverage typically takes care of your boat, motor, and trailer all the time-when you're storing it, hauling it, launching it, or out on the water. If it's stolen, vandalized, or damaged by wind, hail, lightning, fire, or explosion, this coverage can help. It also covers emergency service (up to $100), wreck removal, and other boat equipment.
You can choose a different amount of Physical Damage coverage for each boat on your boat insurance policy. You'll also need to choose a deductible. (If you have to file a claim, that's the amount of money you'll need to pay before your coverage kicks in.) You can pick a different deductible for each boat on your policy.
How We Cover the Rest
If you're in an accident, there's a good chance someone else was involved. And if you're at fault, you'll want strong liability coverage.
Watercraft Liability Coverage
Even the safest boat operator can have a bad day. And this coverage typically makes a big difference If you or someone else in your household has a boating or jet ski accident that:
-damages a dock,
-damages another boat, or
-injures someone else (including a swimmer or water skier).
Want a lot of coverage, or just a little? It's your call.
How We Cover You
There's no way around it: When you're out on the water there's always a chance that something might go wrong. One of the most important things you can do is make sure you'll have help with medical bills if you should get hurt in an accident.
Medical Payments Coverage
If you or someone in your household gets injured on a boat covered in your policy, this coverage typically helps take care of the medical expenses that come afterward.
When you're in the boat, you're covered-and so are your passengers. Water-skiers being pulled behind the boat are also covered. If you or your passengers should get injured by another boat while swimming near your boat, Medical Payments coverage typically kicks in then, too. The limit you choose for this coverage will decide how much that coverage could be.
How We Cover Your Boat
When something goes wrong, good boat insurance coverage could mean the difference between sinking and swimming.
Physical Damage Coverage
This optional coverage typically takes care of your boat, motor, and trailer all the time-when you're storing it, hauling it, launching it, or out on the water. If it's stolen, vandalized, or damaged by wind, hail, lightning, fire, or explosion, this coverage can help. It also covers emergency service (up to $100), wreck removal, and other boat equipment.
You can choose a different amount of Physical Damage coverage for each boat on your boat insurance policy. You'll also need to choose a deductible. (If you have to file a claim, that's the amount of money you'll need to pay before your coverage kicks in.) You can pick a different deductible for each boat on your policy.
How We Cover the Rest
If you're in an accident, there's a good chance someone else was involved. And if you're at fault, you'll want strong liability coverage.
Watercraft Liability Coverage
Even the safest boat operator can have a bad day. And this coverage typically makes a big difference If you or someone else in your household has a boating or jet ski accident that:
-damages a dock,
-damages another boat, or
-injures someone else (including a swimmer or water skier).
Want a lot of coverage, or just a little? It's your call.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
How Much Car Insurance Do You Need?
How Much Car Insurance Do You Need?
By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor
Email
A growing number of people are dropping their auto insurance to try to save money, according to a recent study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC). If the current rate of unemployment continues, the IRC estimates that the national uninsured rate will climb from 13.8 percent in 2007 to 16.3 percent in 2010. With that many people driving without coverage, it's dangerous to be uninsured. But how much car insurance do you really need?
If you're like many people feeling the pinch, your inclination is to get the bare minimum of insurance coverage required by the law in your state. That's a good place to start, though those minimums may not fully protect you -- or your assets -- if you file a claim. We recommend getting more than the minimum coverage unless you are driving a beater and have no assets to protect.
Every state in the nation, except for New Hampshire and Wisconsin, requires that you have liability insurance, and that mandatory coverage varies according to state.
In the chart below, minimum liability limits are read as follows (in thousands of dollars):
Bodily injury liability for one person in an accident
Bodily injury liability for all people injured in an accident
Property damage liability for one accident
So, for Alabama, the minimum requirements are $25,000 of bodily injury liability for one person, $50,000 bodily injury liability for all people and $25,000 property damage liability.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or Medical Payments (MedPay) in some states, pays for your own medical expenses, any lost wages and whatever other costs may arise when you're injured in an accident. It usually pays about 80 percent of your losses, and it also pays a death benefit. PIP is required in: Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Utah.
Some states also require you to purchase car insurance that will cover your own medical expenses, pain and suffering losses and, in some states, car damage in the event that the other motorist is at fault and is either uninsured or underinsured. See the chart below to find out if this applies to you.
State Liability limits
(in thousands of dollars) Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage required?
Alabama 25/50/25 No
Alaska 50/100/25 No
Arizona 15/30/10 No
Arkansas 25/50/25 No
California 15/30/5 No
Colorado 25/50/15 No
Connecticut 20/40/10 Yes
Delaware 15/30/10 No
D.C. 25/50/10 Yes
Florida 10/20/10 No
Georgia 25/50/25 No
Hawaii 20/40/10 No
Idaho 25/50/15 No
Illinois 20/40/15 Yes
Indiana 25/50/10 No
Iowa 20/40/15 No
Kansas 25/50/10 Yes
Kentucky 25/50/10 No
Louisiana 10/20/10 No
Maine 50/100/25 Yes
Maryland 20/40/15 Yes
Massachusetts 20/40/5 Yes
Michigan 20/40/10 No
Minnesota 30/60/10 Yes
Mississippi 25/50/25 No
Missouri 25/50/10 Yes
Montana 25/50/10 No
Nebraska 25/50/25 No
Nevada 15/30/10 No
New Hampshire Not required 25/50/25 Yes
New Jersey 15/30/5 Yes
New Mexico 25/50/10 No
New York 25/50/10 Yes
North Carolina 30/60/25 Yes
North Dakota 25/50/25 Yes
Ohio 12.5/25/7.5 No
Oklahoma 25/50/25 No
Oregon 25/50/10 Yes
Pennsylvania 15/30/5 No
Rhode Island 25/50/25 Yes
South Carolina 25/50/25 Yes
South Dakota 25/50/25 Yes
Tennessee 25/50/10 No
Texas 25/50/25 No
Utah 25/65/15 No
Vermont 25/50/10 Yes
Virginia 25/50/20 Yes
Washington 25/50/10 No
West Virginia 20/40/10 Yes
Wisconsin Not required 25/50/10 Yes
Wyoming 25/50/20 No
Even though each state has minimum (or no) requirements for bodily injury liability, it is probably in your best interest to purchase higher limits. If someone else is injured and you're at fault, the minimum liability coverage may not cover their medical expenses, in which case their attorney will most likely come after your assets. It is generally recommended that you purchase 100/300 limits of bodily injury liability. On the other hand, if your personal assets don't amount to much, you don't have a whole lot for them to bother about, so the minimum requirements might actually suit you and will save you some much-needed cash.
Besides various forms of liability insurance, there is collision and comprehensive auto insurance coverage to consider. Collision covers damage to the policyholder's car resulting from running into anything, be it another car, a fire hydrant, or a light post. Comprehensive coverage takes care of your car in the case of theft, fire, falling objects, explosions, or other unexpected problems.
Collision and comprehensive coverage are required in most lease contracts, and are essential if you own an expensive car. If you're driving an old rattletrap, on the other hand, and the sum of your premium and your deductible are close to or exceed the worth of your vehicle, you might want to consider doing without this coverage.
Before you purchase any type of auto insurance coverage, be sure to study your other insurance policies so you don't end up paying for something you don't need. If you have a decent health insurance plan, you might get away with purchasing the bare minimum personal injury protection coverage- or none at all if your state doesn¿t require it. However, you might end up paying a co-pay and deductible that wouldn't apply if you have PIP or MedPay.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage might also be a wise buy, even if you have full medical coverage, as it can pay for your pain and suffering damages. If you belong to an organization that offers roadside assistance, you don't need to purchase that through your insurer. The same thing applies for mechanical breakdown insurance if you own a newly financed or leased vehicle which is still covered under warranty.
It's easy to be resentful of the money spent on insurance. Keep in mind that auto insurance will most likely come to your rescue at some point, so it's imperative to purchase a worthwhile policy. Know what coverage you must have and know what additional coverage fits your lifestyle. Then if trouble strikes, you'll be ready.
By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor
A growing number of people are dropping their auto insurance to try to save money, according to a recent study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC). If the current rate of unemployment continues, the IRC estimates that the national uninsured rate will climb from 13.8 percent in 2007 to 16.3 percent in 2010. With that many people driving without coverage, it's dangerous to be uninsured. But how much car insurance do you really need?
If you're like many people feeling the pinch, your inclination is to get the bare minimum of insurance coverage required by the law in your state. That's a good place to start, though those minimums may not fully protect you -- or your assets -- if you file a claim. We recommend getting more than the minimum coverage unless you are driving a beater and have no assets to protect.
Every state in the nation, except for New Hampshire and Wisconsin, requires that you have liability insurance, and that mandatory coverage varies according to state.
In the chart below, minimum liability limits are read as follows (in thousands of dollars):
Bodily injury liability for one person in an accident
Bodily injury liability for all people injured in an accident
Property damage liability for one accident
So, for Alabama, the minimum requirements are $25,000 of bodily injury liability for one person, $50,000 bodily injury liability for all people and $25,000 property damage liability.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or Medical Payments (MedPay) in some states, pays for your own medical expenses, any lost wages and whatever other costs may arise when you're injured in an accident. It usually pays about 80 percent of your losses, and it also pays a death benefit. PIP is required in: Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Utah.
Some states also require you to purchase car insurance that will cover your own medical expenses, pain and suffering losses and, in some states, car damage in the event that the other motorist is at fault and is either uninsured or underinsured. See the chart below to find out if this applies to you.
State Liability limits
(in thousands of dollars) Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage required?
Alabama 25/50/25 No
Alaska 50/100/25 No
Arizona 15/30/10 No
Arkansas 25/50/25 No
California 15/30/5 No
Colorado 25/50/15 No
Connecticut 20/40/10 Yes
Delaware 15/30/10 No
D.C. 25/50/10 Yes
Florida 10/20/10 No
Georgia 25/50/25 No
Hawaii 20/40/10 No
Idaho 25/50/15 No
Illinois 20/40/15 Yes
Indiana 25/50/10 No
Iowa 20/40/15 No
Kansas 25/50/10 Yes
Kentucky 25/50/10 No
Louisiana 10/20/10 No
Maine 50/100/25 Yes
Maryland 20/40/15 Yes
Massachusetts 20/40/5 Yes
Michigan 20/40/10 No
Minnesota 30/60/10 Yes
Mississippi 25/50/25 No
Missouri 25/50/10 Yes
Montana 25/50/10 No
Nebraska 25/50/25 No
Nevada 15/30/10 No
New Hampshire Not required 25/50/25 Yes
New Jersey 15/30/5 Yes
New Mexico 25/50/10 No
New York 25/50/10 Yes
North Carolina 30/60/25 Yes
North Dakota 25/50/25 Yes
Ohio 12.5/25/7.5 No
Oklahoma 25/50/25 No
Oregon 25/50/10 Yes
Pennsylvania 15/30/5 No
Rhode Island 25/50/25 Yes
South Carolina 25/50/25 Yes
South Dakota 25/50/25 Yes
Tennessee 25/50/10 No
Texas 25/50/25 No
Utah 25/65/15 No
Vermont 25/50/10 Yes
Virginia 25/50/20 Yes
Washington 25/50/10 No
West Virginia 20/40/10 Yes
Wisconsin Not required 25/50/10 Yes
Wyoming 25/50/20 No
Even though each state has minimum (or no) requirements for bodily injury liability, it is probably in your best interest to purchase higher limits. If someone else is injured and you're at fault, the minimum liability coverage may not cover their medical expenses, in which case their attorney will most likely come after your assets. It is generally recommended that you purchase 100/300 limits of bodily injury liability. On the other hand, if your personal assets don't amount to much, you don't have a whole lot for them to bother about, so the minimum requirements might actually suit you and will save you some much-needed cash.
Besides various forms of liability insurance, there is collision and comprehensive auto insurance coverage to consider. Collision covers damage to the policyholder's car resulting from running into anything, be it another car, a fire hydrant, or a light post. Comprehensive coverage takes care of your car in the case of theft, fire, falling objects, explosions, or other unexpected problems.
Collision and comprehensive coverage are required in most lease contracts, and are essential if you own an expensive car. If you're driving an old rattletrap, on the other hand, and the sum of your premium and your deductible are close to or exceed the worth of your vehicle, you might want to consider doing without this coverage.
Before you purchase any type of auto insurance coverage, be sure to study your other insurance policies so you don't end up paying for something you don't need. If you have a decent health insurance plan, you might get away with purchasing the bare minimum personal injury protection coverage- or none at all if your state doesn¿t require it. However, you might end up paying a co-pay and deductible that wouldn't apply if you have PIP or MedPay.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage might also be a wise buy, even if you have full medical coverage, as it can pay for your pain and suffering damages. If you belong to an organization that offers roadside assistance, you don't need to purchase that through your insurer. The same thing applies for mechanical breakdown insurance if you own a newly financed or leased vehicle which is still covered under warranty.
It's easy to be resentful of the money spent on insurance. Keep in mind that auto insurance will most likely come to your rescue at some point, so it's imperative to purchase a worthwhile policy. Know what coverage you must have and know what additional coverage fits your lifestyle. Then if trouble strikes, you'll be ready.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
DRAWING IN THE WORKS!!!
I have a drawing in the works for all of the fans of Nickie Weyrauch Agency facebook page and NICKIEROCK twitter followers...
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Personal Documents
Certificates and Decrees
It is best to obtain and keep in a safe deposit box two certified copies each of your birth certificate, your spouse's birth certificate, your marriage certificate and the birth certificates of each of your dependent children. This will give you a back-up copy if you need to send an original copy to receive benefits or other services.
Each state has its own method of maintaining birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates and divorce decrees or annulments. Usually these records are obtained from the county clerk, registrar or recorder of the county in which the event took place. In many states the Department of Vital Statistics in the state capital acts as a central clearinghouse for this information.
The Importance of a Will
A will can eliminate many problems and misunderstandings in the settlement of your affairs. In some situations, a living trust may help simplify administration, as well as offer lifetime benefits.
A will can also:
-Allow for the distribution of your property according to your wishes and the needs and capabilities of those you leave behind.
-Let you nominate a guardian or guardians for minor children to be responsible for raising the children and managing their property.
-Cover many other contingencies, such as taking advantage of the maximum marital tax deduction and continuing the operation or orderly liquidation of a business.
-Provide a legacy for friends, or religious or charitable institutions.
If a person dies without a will, state law will dictate who gets what property and when. These rules are rarely what most people would choose.
Have a lawyer prepare your will, and make sure it is reviewed periodically to account for changes in federal and state laws, property values and financial status of heirs.
Health Care Directives
There are several documents that let you record your wishes regarding health care decisions. While each state has slightly different documents, the most common are a living will and a health care power of attorney.
Living Will
A living will is typically a personal statement that is effective only in extremem circumstances. A living will is referred to when you have an illness or injury that is terminal and death is imminent, and the attending physician believes that your condition is irreversible. In this situation, your living will tells the doctor, the hospital and your family members of your wish regarding life support.
Durable power of attorney
A durable power of attorney for health care is broader and more flexible. It gives another individual the right to make health care decisions for you. The difference between this and a living will is that all health care situations are covered. It is important that the person to whom the power has been given knows of your wishes regarding different types of treatment, not just life support decisions.
Many states have specific laws regarding the type, wording and set up of documents, so seek legal help to prepare them. Once the documents are drafted, give a copy to your primary physican, and keep other copies on file with your family for use with other health care providers.
It is best to obtain and keep in a safe deposit box two certified copies each of your birth certificate, your spouse's birth certificate, your marriage certificate and the birth certificates of each of your dependent children. This will give you a back-up copy if you need to send an original copy to receive benefits or other services.
Each state has its own method of maintaining birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates and divorce decrees or annulments. Usually these records are obtained from the county clerk, registrar or recorder of the county in which the event took place. In many states the Department of Vital Statistics in the state capital acts as a central clearinghouse for this information.
The Importance of a Will
A will can eliminate many problems and misunderstandings in the settlement of your affairs. In some situations, a living trust may help simplify administration, as well as offer lifetime benefits.
A will can also:
-Allow for the distribution of your property according to your wishes and the needs and capabilities of those you leave behind.
-Let you nominate a guardian or guardians for minor children to be responsible for raising the children and managing their property.
-Cover many other contingencies, such as taking advantage of the maximum marital tax deduction and continuing the operation or orderly liquidation of a business.
-Provide a legacy for friends, or religious or charitable institutions.
If a person dies without a will, state law will dictate who gets what property and when. These rules are rarely what most people would choose.
Have a lawyer prepare your will, and make sure it is reviewed periodically to account for changes in federal and state laws, property values and financial status of heirs.
Health Care Directives
There are several documents that let you record your wishes regarding health care decisions. While each state has slightly different documents, the most common are a living will and a health care power of attorney.
Living Will
A living will is typically a personal statement that is effective only in extremem circumstances. A living will is referred to when you have an illness or injury that is terminal and death is imminent, and the attending physician believes that your condition is irreversible. In this situation, your living will tells the doctor, the hospital and your family members of your wish regarding life support.
Durable power of attorney
A durable power of attorney for health care is broader and more flexible. It gives another individual the right to make health care decisions for you. The difference between this and a living will is that all health care situations are covered. It is important that the person to whom the power has been given knows of your wishes regarding different types of treatment, not just life support decisions.
Many states have specific laws regarding the type, wording and set up of documents, so seek legal help to prepare them. Once the documents are drafted, give a copy to your primary physican, and keep other copies on file with your family for use with other health care providers.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Facts of Your Life
RECORD THE LIFE ESSENTIALS
Keeping family records organized and up to date is a challenge we all face. However bothersome it may seem now, it's an essential part of life- the need to easily locate imprtant records and information should a family member die or become disabled. Journaling your information can make this task much easier for you.
Catagories of Information:
1. Family Essentials
2. Final Arrangements
3. Safe Deposit Box Inventory
4. Contacts
5. Budgeting
Personal Documents
Paperwork that legally documents your personal history may be needed to apply for benefits and/or carry out legal instructions.
If you already have copies of these documents, be sure to store them in a safe location. Since safe deposit boxes may be sealed until after the owner's funeral, be cautious of what you put into them. Health care directives, instructions regarding disposition of remains and wills are best left with you lawyer or in a lockbox at home, not in a safe deposit box.
If you do not have copies of these documents, request them now so they will be on hand.
Keeping family records organized and up to date is a challenge we all face. However bothersome it may seem now, it's an essential part of life- the need to easily locate imprtant records and information should a family member die or become disabled. Journaling your information can make this task much easier for you.
Catagories of Information:
1. Family Essentials
2. Final Arrangements
3. Safe Deposit Box Inventory
4. Contacts
5. Budgeting
Personal Documents
Paperwork that legally documents your personal history may be needed to apply for benefits and/or carry out legal instructions.
If you already have copies of these documents, be sure to store them in a safe location. Since safe deposit boxes may be sealed until after the owner's funeral, be cautious of what you put into them. Health care directives, instructions regarding disposition of remains and wills are best left with you lawyer or in a lockbox at home, not in a safe deposit box.
If you do not have copies of these documents, request them now so they will be on hand.
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