When purchasing any kind of insurance product, the first step is always an objective assessment of the property you want to insure. Realistically, then, before insuring your jewelry, you should consider:
A. What are your needs?
Take stock of how much jewelry you have and what kind it is. Do you have a lot, but mostly it is pretty and fun rather than expensive? Do you have only a little jewelry, but the pieces that you own are very fine? Or are you a serious collector with buckets of bling? In each case, it is possible for you to score insurance that will help you in case something happens to your jewelry, but you need to be very clear on what you’ve got and have a top-notch idea of what it is worth. How can you know for sure what your jewelry is worth? Having receipts is good, and when you get them, find a safe site to file them. Forever, if need be. Also, taking photographs can help. But, of course, for the best estimate, get a professional appraisal.
No, appraisals are not always required by your insurance carrier, but they are best way to prove the value of your baubles. Let’s say you are unfortunate enough to have a robbery or a disaster such as a fire. If you have only costume jewelry, photographs can prove what you had so that you can replace it. But if diamonds are your best friends, you will be better off with an expert evaluation that is put down on paper and added to your insurance file
Sometimes jewelers offer a day of free appraisals to bring customers into the shops. In the main, however, an appraisal will cost you money. Fees may vary from one jeweler to another, so ask questions. Manufacture clear you know beforehand exactly what you will score for your investment.
B. What kind of policy will best suit your needs?
Most homeowner or renter policies cover personal jewelry items up to a certain level of value. Your deductible will apply. Above that, simple replacement can range from $500 for renter to $1000 for homeowner coverage. If you are a person who only has costume jewelry, that much money might be adequate.
On the other hand, if you maintain any really fine pieces, such as your diamond wedding set and your grandmother’s antique broach, the limits on your homeowner or renter policy might not be enough. In that case, appraisal in hand, you can ask your agent to “schedule” your special pieces. That means (s)he adds a special clause called an endorsement to your policy. It will conceal your items up to the value which your appraisal indicates. This can raise your insurance premiums a bit, but the cost increase will pay for itself if you ever lose the main diamond from your engagement ring or your grandma’s broach is stolen.
If you are a serious collector with buckets of bling, you know the best set for your jewelry is a safety deposit box. But what’s the fun in having the stuff if you don’t wear it. Moral? No doubt you have added a safe to your home or apartment. (If not, certainly you should consider doing so.) You also may wait on, however, from having your entire collection insured by itself. Two companies that will do this are Jeweler’s Mutual Insurance and The Chubb Group.
C. Where can you regain the best insurance coverage for the lowest premium?
Once you know the kind of coverage you need, your best bet is to contact various insurance agents, find out what their companies will do for you, and then compare costs. You can glean a ample deal of information from the Internet. For example, Allstate has a very nice web page that deals with scheduling jewelry and other valuables. Of course, if you choose a company that insures only your jewelry, you will have to pay a premium in addition to your homeowner or renter policy. But if it gives you greater peace of mind, the expense will be worthwhile.
Filed under Automobile Insurance Information by on Mar 14th, 2011. Comment. 
I have a confession to make. A while abet, I was lured into applying for a free rate quote from Geico by their slick – and memorable – advertising. They twisted me with the caveman. I’m not ashamed to admit it. But, much to my surprise, their quote didn’t live up to the hype. In fact, Geico’s rate quote was $50 per month higher than I was paying with Nationwide Insurance. My first thought was that obviously their advertising was better than their rates. However, after doing some research, I learned that if I had explained the situation better and asked the right questions, I might have gotten a better rate quote from Geico.
Here are a few tips I’ve learned for getting the best car insurance rate possible:
1. If you’re under 24, and/or a student, try to acquire on your parent’s insurance policy. Fresh drivers and new policyholders always get higher rates than everyone else. If you can piggyback on Mom or Dad’s good driving portray, then do it.
2. Now I know this seems cruel and contradictory, but if you’re a parent who is struggling to acquire ends meet, then try to keep your children off your car insurance. If you absolutely can’t afford an increase in your car insurance, it’s best to let your children pay higher rates than for you to take the risk of their learning curve affecting your rates. Unless your teenager is an especially good driver, you’re better off telling them to pay for their believe auto insurance policy.
3. If you believe a home, get your auto insurance and home insurance through the same company. In my case, that’s exactly why Nationwide was cheaper than Geico. Nationwide offers a special “package deal” to customers that have both auto and homeowner’s insurance through them.
4. When you’re comparing auto insurance rate quotes, know your policy and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you currently have a $500 deductible and XYZ amount of coverage, compare that to another company’s quote and see which is the better deal. If they’re not offering a better deal, tell them the deal you currently have and see if they have a plan that’s comparable. Don’t always go with the first auto insurance plan they suggest.
5. Don’t bewitch more insurance than you need. If you have a car loan, it’s required that you carry full coverage auto insurance. Otherwise, it really depends on the value of your car and how easily you can replace it in case of an accident. If you’re driving a car that’s paid off and only worth around $2000, is it really worth it to have full coverage? Liability coverage will take care of someone else’s car if you total yours, and the chances are that even bulky coverage won’t pay you enough to get a new car without taking on some sort of car payment. You have to choose for yourself if the extra monthly cost of tubby coverage is worth it for a car that is already paid for. Unless you really need every cent you can get for a down payment, or your car is worth more than what you’d utilize on another car, the chances are that you’re better off carrying liability insurance.
6. Last, but not least, try to keep your driving characterize as smart as possible. I know this seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people think that a little speeding brand here or there won’t affect their car insurance rates that much. Speeding tickets and traffic violations can affect your auto insurance rates dramatically. Keep track of your driving report, and if you have older offenses that should be expunged, make sure they are. Honest like you wouldn’t assume that bad credit falls off your credit report without checking, don’t assume that driving offenses fall off your narrate as well.
After trying all of the above tips, then spend some time filling out rate quotes online and don’t be afraid to try several different companies. If you want to simplify the process, then try sites like http://www.insurance.com/ and http://www.netquote.com. With a small time and trouble, it’s easy to find the best rates for car insurance possible for your situation.
Filed under State Farm Auto Insurance by on Feb 26th, 2011. Comment.
Many senior citizens have been loyal to their auto insurance companies for years, often decades. Having the same reliable insurance agent and company is comforting. But the auto insurance industry has become more competitive, actively vying for the senior citizen market. It makes sense for senior citizens to gather information to compare their fresh rates, especially at the time of auto insurance renewal.
Getting quotes for auto insurance is an easy process. With just a few clicks on the computer or toll-free telephone calls, anyone can gather a list that compares auto insurance by services and rates. For senior citizens, who often are on fixed incomes, this can be a very cost-effective exercise, possibly saving them hundreds of dollars during an insured period.
Finding Comparable Rates
Buying auto insurance is like any other important, long-term purchase. The key is to take time to research and shop for the best deal with reliable auto insurance companies.
The following is a sample of insurance companies and insurance brokers offering auto insurance quotes on the Internet. Many have specific marketing programs targeting senior citizens.
AARP: www.aarp.thehartford.com.
AARP is an advocacy organization for seniors that promotes the interests of people over 50 years old. They offer auto insurance to members through The Hartford.
Allstate: www.allstate.com.
Allstate is a well known insurance company. Quotes can be gathered at the above website or local agents can be found in the telephone book and are available to assist in preparing a free quote.
Farmers Insurance Group: http://www.farmersinsurance.com.
Online or in person, a Farmers insurance agent can review auto insurance coverage, help identify potential gaps, and include any qualifying Farmers Auto insurance discounts.
Progressive Insurance: www.progressive.com.
Progressive will provide a quote for their company along with comparables of other auto insurance companies for easy comparisons.
Geico Insurance: www.geico.com.
This company can be accessed online or at one of their many offices. It is easy to earn a quote; they offer flexible payment options and competitive rates.
Costco: www.costco.com.
Costco offers membership insurance through Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance.
Autoinsure: www.autoinsure.org.
Autoinsure has a page with helpful insurance information for senior citizens. They can provide quotes from all the major auto insurance companies.
Esurance: www.esurance.com.
A rising star among insurance companies that engage pride in stating: “Esurance doesn’t objective offer reliable insurance coverage, we also believe in educating consumers.” Their online quote process is easy to navigate.
US Insurance: www.usinsuranceonline.com
They will provide multiple auto insurance quotes tailored to specific needs within minutes of filling out their simple short form. It’s easy then to compare them side by side to find the best prices and coverage.
Car Insurance Rates: www.carinsurancerates.com
Their network of companies and brokers offer a variety of car insurances: Farmers, Allstate, AIG, Nationwide, AARP, Safeco Insurance, Liberty Mutual, MetLife and Mercury.
Every insurance rate: www.everyinsurancerate.com
EveryInsuranceCompany.com is a handy Internet directory to procure local insurance companies, insurance quotes and discount insurance rates.
Quote Scout: www.quotescout.com.
This website will provide quotes from a long list of auto insurance companies – literally from “A” to “Z”.
Insurance.com: http://www.insurance.com.
Insurance.com works directly with 15 highly rated car insurance companies in 46 states: 21st Century, Electric Insurance, Esurance Auto Insurance, The Hartford, Infinity, Liberty Mutual, Meritplan Insurance, MetLife Auto Insurance, Newport Insurance, Permanent General Assurance Corporation (The General), Progressive, QBE Insurance, Safeco, Travelers Insurance, and Unitrin Direct.
Keeping Auto Insurance Rates Down
There are ways that senior citizens can acquire responsibility to control their auto insurance rates. Here are a few suggestions.
According to seniorjournal.com, most of the major auto insurance agencies provide a 5% – 10% discount to drivers beginning at the ages of 50 or 55. However, as a group, drivers 75 and older have one of the highest rates of fatal daytime accidents. Because of this, it’s important that senior drivers stay proactive and eager in keeping their driving skills sharp.
Many states offer an auto insurance discount for veteran drivers if a person meets a given age criteria and has taken an approved frail driver safety course. Local colleges and senior centers are good resources to learn about the classes. AARP has local and on-line access to the course. Costco offers its members an online drivers’ safety training course through FirstNet: www.firstnetlearning.com.
Another way to keep auto insurance rates down is to drive a low-profile car, one that as part of a group has a lower rate due to minimum repair costs, considered safer and less likely to be stolen. Check the Highway Loss Data Institute, www.iihs.org, for the latest related data.
Examine current auto insurance needs and requirements. Changing to higher deductibles or dropping collision or comprehensive coverage for older cars may make sense.
Always ask about discounts when purchasing or renewing auto insurance.
And finally, the best long-term advice: Always drive defensively, stay alert and follow the driving laws. Maintaining a capable driving record is the best way to keep auto insurance rates down.
Filed under Automobile Insurance Information by on Feb 24th, 2011. Comment.
Owning an automobile can be expensive. Aside from monthly car payments, automobile owners must be able to afford gasoline, maintenance, and auto insurance. The cost of auto insurance varies for each person. Persons with older vehicles and a good driving record may incur a small expense. On the other hand, if you drive carelessly and have received numerous traffic violations, your monthly auto insurance may exceed $200. Adopting good driving habits is necessary for lowering insurance premiums. Yet, some people have not made this connection. Reflect the top five reasons that contribute to high monthly premiums.
• Choosing a Low Deductible: Before an insurance company will cover the cost of an auto accident, the driver must pay a deductible. Deductible amounts vary. On average, drivers can determine either a $250 or $500 deductible. Naturally, drivers are more inclined to choose a policy with a cheaper deductible. However, there are advantages to paying a higher amount. For starters, paying the higher deductible will assign you money. If your driving record is horrible, and you are already paying considerably more for an auto policy, choosing a $500 deductible could save you $50 to $75 a month.
• Add a Teenager or New Driver: When a teenager reaches the age of 16 and acquires a driver’s license, many parents consider adding the child to their auto policy. This decision is advantageous for the driver, but does not succor the parent. If the teenager attempted to receive his or her believe policy, they would probably be unable to afford coverage. On average, teenagers and novel drivers receive higher auto insurance quotes. On the flip side, the teenager will effect money if insured under their parent’s policy. Yet, parents can interrogate a monthly increase.
• Buy an Expensive Car: Monthly auto insurance premiums are based on a vehicle’s worth. For this matter, if you purchase an older car, premiums are vulgar. On the other hand, if you choose to take the most expensive vehicle on the lot, with a lot of extra accessories and features, your auto premiums will be higher. Additionally, sports cars have higher premiums because these cars are usually driven at a faster speed, which increases the risk of accidents.
• Multiple Accidents and Traffic Violations: Auto insurance companies peer that accidents and moving traffic violations will occur. Thus, insurance premiums will not greatly increase from a single mishap. On the contrary, if you have several moving traffic violations or involved in many accidents, your insurance company will likely increase your premium, or refuse to renew the policy. Once dropped from an insurance company, acquiring affordable coverage with another company may be difficult.
• Failing to Shop Around: When shopping for an insurance company, comparing quotes is critical. Each insurance company has different criteria for establishing premiums. Larger companies such as Allstate and Nationwide offer great services, but they also have higher premiums. On the other hand, smaller, privately owned insurance companies offer the same spacious coverage for a fraction of the cost. Shop around. Whenever possible, request online quotes from multiple companies. Periodically review your driving record and attempt to receive a lower premium.
Filed under State Farm Auto Insurance by on Feb 22nd, 2011. Comment.
Or should I say… GEICO Cavemen slated to become a TV sitcom?
It’s true! Those insulted cavemen from the Geico Insurance commercials have a sitcom in development with ABC.
The cavemen ad campaign came about in 2005, with characters created by the Martin Agency, the same people behind the proposed Caveman sitcom. The premise of the Geico commercials is simple… and kind of strange. 2 cavemen, played by Ben Weber and Jeff Daniel Phillips are for, whatever reason, alive and well today, and are offended by Geico’s claim that geico.com is “so easy, a caveman could do it.”
The initial commercial, which was simple and to the “point” spawned at least 3 additional commercials, including my personal favorite (in a love to hate kind of way) that shows the Geico spokesperson who originally made the claim that geico.com was so easy a caveman could spend it apologizing to the cavemen while browsing a menu at a fancy restaurant. Like in every commercial, the caveman is disgusted and that’s the big laugh. At least, I think that’s what they’re going for.
Like all things that annoy me to death, I figured the supposed-to-be-long-dead-yet-here-they-are-bugging-the-crap-out-of-me-cavemen’s days were limited. Apparently, I was despicable, and evidently, I’m in the minority wanting them to go away.
This year Geico launched a website, a highly interactive one at that, taking status in the cavemen’s apartment. This website, located at http://www.cavemanscrib.com invites you in and lets you play around with things in the apartment, including changing the music on the iPod, knocking the power out trying to microwave some dip, and even walking into the bathroom while a caveman is taking a shower. It’s like I’ve died and gone to Heaven, let me protest you. I’m sure there’s even more to do at the caveman’s crib; I couldn’t stomach sticking around any longer to find out.
The Internet and commercials, though, do not true annoyance make. Surely, a sitcom based on the caveman characters couldn’t be a reality. Couldn’t be… but is.
ABC isn’t impartial talking about it, they already ordered the pilot. The tentatively named “Cavemen” is one of 14 pilots being produced by Touchstone Television for the 2007 spring season. I think it bears repeating… the pilot will indeed be written by Martin Agency, the creators of the cavemen for the Geico commercials.
The plot of the new Cavemen sitcom is not exactly a long shot from the commercials – they are Neanderthals who live in modern times (Atlanta, 2007 to be exact) who don’t wish to be treated any differently than the rest of us. And isn’t that just completely understandable… after all, they’re only supposed to be DEAD.
And there it is: The evolution from commercial, to website, to sitcom. I wonder if it’s those Nielsen families that are responsible for all this…
At any rate, how long do you believe this demonstrate can pull off the same caveman reaction to the same modern day prejudice? Will Geico advertising be sprinkled throughout the show, making it less a sitcom and more a really long, painful commercial?
On the upside, if they’re ever at a loss for guest stars, perhaps they could get the gecko to form a nice cameo!
As much as I’d stay away from this show if it were on, I’m morbidly tantalizing to stare if it does get picked up. It’s the masochist in me, I’m tellin’ ya!
Filed under Progressive Insurance by on Feb 20th, 2011. Comment.
