Are you a newlywed?  Now that you are married, you have to share everything including the bills and other financial obligations.  When is it a good time to talk about life insurance?  Should you wait until you have kids?  No!  What if you die tomorrow?  Even with the surviving spouse’s income, you still have credit card bills, car notes, utility bills.  Also many companies will want to wait to issue policies on a woman if she is pregnant.  So in that case it is best to get life insurance before mom gets pregnant.  Life insurance is for the one’s you leave behind.  Ensure their futures.  Insure your love.

Congratulations, you are a new and expecting parents!  Now its time to decorate the baby’s room, go to Wallyworld and stock up on diapers, and everything in between.  What does that mean? What is everything and how can you be prepared for everything?

As a new parent, you want to see you child grow up and realize all their dreams and hopes.  As a new parent, you want to do everything possible to help them along in life, but what if you or your spouse were suddenly out of the picture?  What if you, your spouse, or both of you were to die prematurely?  Would your child have enough money for day care, high school sports, college tuition and everything else?

Your children are your greatest gifts and your greatest responsibility.  Protect yourself and your children with life insurance.  Life insurance ensures that they grow up in a financially secure and stable environment if some were  to happen to you or your spouse.

When you think of insuring your vehicle, then the first thing that comes to your mind is how to get the cheapest rates on the auto insurance policy. When it comes to finding the cheapest rates, you need to compare auto insurance quotes. There are some smart tips that will enable you to save money on auto insurance rates. Read on to know about them.

1.  Shop for insurance quotes: Before taking an auto insurance policy, you must compare auto insurance quotes offered by various insurance companies. Experts are of the opinion that you should get at least three price quotes from three insurance companies. The more you choose from options, the better you can make a choice.

2.  Maintain a good credit record: Insurers often use credit information to decide whether or not you qualify for a loan. You need to maintain a good credit score to become eligible for auto insurance. Pay your bills on time, don’t go for more credit than you need and try to keep your credit balances as low as possible, to keep your credit score intact.

3.  Ask for high deductible: Deductible is the amount that you have to pay out of your pocket when you file a claim, before the insurance company starts paying. Hence, if you ask for a high deductible, then you will be charged less on the premiums every month.

4.  Ask for low mileage discount: As you compare auto insurance quotes, you will see that there are various kinds of discounts. Check with your insurance company whether they offer a discount for drivers who drive lower than average number of miles per year. Try to drive less to save on your auto insurance premiums.

5.  Avoid high theft cars: Try to avoid buying those cars which are more prone to theft or even to accidents. Sports cars can be driven very fast and hence it becomes more likely to face accidents. Such cars will cost you heavily on premiums. It is safe to buy a low-profile car.

Follow the above mentioned points to save those extra dollars on your auto insurance policy. Compare auto insurance quotes from different insurance companies to get the best results.

No, you do not need to purchase special insurance simply to tow a trailer behind your car or pickup truck as long as that car or truck has current insurance liability coverage.  In Texas, drivers are required to carry a minimum bodily injury liability limit of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident along with a property damage limit of $25,000 per accident.  If you have any questions, contact an agent regarding your insurance coverage.

On the other hand, if your trailer is financed, your lender or lien holder could require you to carry physical damage coverage.  In that case, you’ll need to contact an insurance agent and have them give you quotes for comprehensive and collision coverages only.

Since the future cannot be predicted, it’s better to get it insured. There are different insurance policies, which you can choose according to your needs and urgency.

Types of insurance policies

All insurance policies are important since they are for the things you possess and don’t want to lose. So you should get them insured. Some of the most important insurance policies are cited below:

1. Life insurance

This policy ensures the family members of a sole bread earner financial security after his death. When you are the only person who has all the responsibility of your family, it’s always important to go for life insurance policy. This way, part of your premium is put into savings account so that money is not a problem in the future

2. Health insurance

This is also an important insurance policy that pays for all the treatments and medications if you are seriously injured. Suppose you are involved in an accident and don’t have health insurance, you will have to pay for the treatment from the money you have saved. If you don’t have the money required, you may fall in medical debt and the hospital may stop your treatment. It’s better to have a health insurance to ensure you a secured and healthy life.

3. Property insurance

This insurance policy ensures the property you own. This is also very important as you spend a good amount of money on the things you possess and so it’s only natural that you should have property insurance. This policy provides coverage against fire, earthquake, vandalism, etc. This insurance policy protects your assets which can be business or your personal property. Usually homeowners policy covers for most of the personal property.

4. Auto insurance

If you own a car or a vehicle, it’s important that you have auto insurance. This policy covers the cost of the damage caused to the vehicle and you in an accident. It also pays for the damage the other party incurs in an accident. This insurance policy also covers your vehicle from the damage caused by natural calamities and robbery, vandalism, etc.

The above list gives you an insight of the most important insurance policies you should go for.

HARTFORD, Conn., Jun 27, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The 2010 Travelers Championship will generate a record-breaking amount to charity as a result of an additional commitment by Travelers (NYSE: TRV) to raise the tournament’s total 2010 charitable contribution to $1.1 million, an amount on par with the champion’s $1.08 million winnings. The announcement was made by Travelers Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jay Fishman today during the final round of competition at the Travelers Championship.

The tournament contributes 100 percent of net proceeds to Connecticut charities, primarily benefitting its two designated charities, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which serves children suffering from cancer and other serious diseases, and the Greater Hartford Jaycees Foundation, a leadership development and community service organization.

“The week has been a tremendous success, capped off by a terrific finish by champion Bubba Watson,” said Fishman. “This additional contribution is a way for Travelers to show our appreciation for the commitment and participation of the players, fans, sponsors, volunteers and countless others that made the week possible.”

The success of the 2010 Travelers Championship will allow more than 120 seriously ill children to have an extraordinary summer camp experience at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. It will also enable the Jaycees to help even more individuals in need throughout the community.

Additionally, the tournament offers fundraising programs that allow any charity in the state to use the tournament to raise funds. In 2010, more than 130 charitable organizations will benefit from the Travelers Championship. Travelers and its employees annually participate in Birdies for Charity, a program that collects pledges for every birdie made during the Travelers Championship, to raise additional funds for the tournament’s designated charities.

“We look forward to another successful tournament in 2011,” concluded Fishman. The 2011 Travelers Championship will be held June 20-26 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn.

About Travelers

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has more than 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately $25 billion in 2009. The company provides support for charitable organizations in the community through the Travelers Foundation and with corporate funding. The company’s community giving is focused on education, community development and the arts. Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and perform thousands of hours in volunteer time each year. For more information, visit http://www.travelers.com.

SOURCE: Travelers Companies, Inc.

Travelers Companies, Inc.
Jennifer Wislocki, 860-277-7458
Cell: 860-391-2605
Erin Haberman, 860-277-3617
Cell: 860-305-9130

Insurance was a latecomer to the American landscape, largely because there were just too many known risks, and even more unknown ones. When it finally did make it over, it was supported by one of the most famous Americans in history. Let’s take a look at the history ofinsurance in the U.S.

Benjamin Franklin and American Insurance
Not content with the titles of statesman, scientist, inventor or author, Benjamin Franklin added insurer to his collection. In 1752, the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire became the first mutual fire insurance company in America. Much like London in the 1600s, houses at this time were made almost entirely out of wood. Worse yet, the settlements that grew into the cities were built close together. This was originally done for security reasons but as cities grew, developers built homes very close to each other for the same reasons they do today – to fit as many homes as possible on their development plots.

The Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire set new standards for building houses because it refused to insure houses that were considered fire hazards. The criteria they used to evaluate buildings would one day be reworked into both building codes and zoning laws. Seven years later, Franklin was also instrumental in getting the first life insurance company, the Presbyterian Ministers’ Fund, off the ground. (To learn more about life insurance, read How Much Life Insurance Should You Carry? and Life Insurance Distribution And Benefits.)

The various religious authorities at the time were outraged at the practice of putting a value on human life, but criticism cooled when it was seen that insurance worked to protect widows and orphans. The industrial revolution then brought the necessity of both business insurance and disability insurance to the forefront. Throughout history, the types of insurance offered have been expanded in reaction to new risks. 1864 saw the Travelers Insurance Company sell its first accident policy. 1889 saw the first auto insurance policy. As time progressed, new types of insurance were blooming along with the risks of an increasingly modern life. (For more insight on insurance, see Five Insurance Policies Everyone Should Have.)

Original Content Courtesy Investopedia

The Hartford Insurance company recently joined the iPhone application race when they launched The Hartford Mobile for iPhone.    According to their website,

• Access our auto accident checklist
• Collect and exchange driving and accident  info, including accident photos
• Reference handy roadside guides, like an interactive Emergency Kit Checklist
• Locate an auto repair facility from our national network of approved shops if you are interested in this option
• Save and review accident history
• Find a replacement vehicle – new or used – and at a great price
• Get help for a cracked windshield through our national Glass Repair service – it’s fast and convenient
• Request help when you’re stranded through our RESCUE 1-800 roadside services
• Store your vehicle and insurance information for quick and easy access
• Special features for customers of The Hartford: express connect to our award-winning Claims Services to painlessly report an accident, as well as submit accident photos and notes directly from your iPhone

Original Content Provided by The Hartford

State Regulators’ Continued Role Will Protect Consumers

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 29, 2010) — The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) thanked the House and Senate financial reform conferees for largely preserving the critical role of state insurance regulators in protecting consumers and ensuring the viability of the insurance industry.

Throughout the debate on the financial regulatory reform legislation, state insurance regulators emphasized the myriad problems that upset the banking and securities sectors during the recent economic crisis were largely absent in the insurance sector.

“Quick and decisive action by state insurance regulators worked to head off such concerns and ensure that insurance consumers were fully protected,” said Jane L. Cline, NAIC President and West Virginia Insurance Commissioner. “We commend the conferees for recognizing this important distinction and for preserving the key role of state insurance regulators in the nation’s financial markets.”

Cline highlighted several provisions of the legislation that are of particular importance to state insurance regulators. “We were pleased to see that the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) set up under the bill is narrowly designed to carry out its mission while not unnecessarily undermining strong state regulation,” she said. “In similar fashion, the addition of a state insurance regulator to the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) created by this legislation will add an important safeguard for consumers and provide an early warning system for other financial regulators if an insurance company were to become subject to systemic risk.”

“The package provides senior investment protection grants for annuity suitability, an area where the NAIC and the states have a solid track record,” continued Cline. “The bill also provides important clarification in regulatory authority for indexed annuities, ensuring that these guaranteed products are under the clear authority of state insurance regulators.”

The measure also makes clear that state insurance regulators will continue to have the ability to “wall off” insurance companies from troubled holding companies, protecting insurance policyholders from other risks in the financial system. State regulators, with boots on the ground across the country, will also continue to police consumer protections in the insurance sector.
The final measure awaits approval from both the House and Senate.

About the NAIC

Formed in 1871, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is a voluntary organization of the chief insurance regulatory officials of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. The NAIC has three offices: Executive Office, Washington, D.C.; Central Office, Kansas City, Mo.; and Securities Valuation Office, New York City. The NAIC serves the needs of consumers and the industry, with an overriding objective of supporting state insurance regulators as they protect consumers and maintain the financial stability of the insurance marketplace. For more information, visit www.naic.org.

Home owners in need of flood insurance can rest assured.  Last night, the United States Senate reauthorized the national flood insurance program until September 30, 2010; according to the National Underwriter.

“It is alarming that the NFIP was allowed to remain expired for so long, causing so much confusion and potentially leaving desperate homeowners and small businesses unprotected for almost a month,” said Robert Rusbuldt, president and chief executive officer of the IIABA in a statement.

He added that we “are also greatly concerned that these short expiration periods and patchwork of temporary extensions will negatively impact the market.”

The current measure, as soon as it is signed by President Obama, allows any new policy applications or renewals that were signed and submitted during the hiatus to become effective from the date of application (or in the case of waiting periods, the waiting period will start from the date of application).

The bill would restore authorization of a program that lapsed June 1; marking the fourth time the program has lapsed.

Short-term reauthorizations have been held up because the program is being held hostage to efforts by Democrats to use it as an incentive to get Republicans to act on their other priorities, for example, extensions of jobless insurance and a program that subsidizes healthcare coverage for the unemployed.

Action on a longer-term extension has been delayed because the program has a deficit nearing $20 billion, but Congress is reluctant to act to reduce that deficit by raising rates to “market level” because that would generate severe criticism from hard-pressed homeowners.

The temporary extension bill passed by the Senate was passed by the House on June 23.

Insurance industry officials have reacted strongly by demanding that Congress restore certainty to the program and promptly adopt a long-term extension.

While praising the bills passage, Jimi Grande, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies senior vice president of federal and political affairs said, “The hurricane season runs two months beyond the NFIP’s new Sept. 30 expiration date. Congress must not let the program lapse again, but that’s just the minimum. The best thing they can do is take this time to pass legislation that would implement common sense reforms and help the NFIP make the first steps towards financial soundness.”

“This is yet another short term fix, as Congress has once again kicked the can down the road…,” said Professional Insurance Agents National President-elect Brian Marino, co-chair of the association’s working group on natural catastrophes. “Although we greatly appreciate the short term extension, Congress has failed to extend the program through the Atlantic hurricane season. With our economy in peril, we cannot have closings held in limbo. The real estate market has again suffered due to this needless lapse in coverage.”

“We’re pleased this program has been extended, even if it’s for a short time,” said Leigh Ann Pusey, president and CEO of the American Insurance Association. “Between now and September, Congress must pass a long-term extension.”

“We are pleased that Congress reauthorized the flood insurance program,” said David Sampson, president and CEO of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. “But this three-month extension threatens to leave communities vulnerable again in September, at the height of hurricane season.”

Courtesy of the National Underwriter