Insuring Your Wedding or Engagement Ring

Insuring Your Wedding or Engagement Ring

Engagement or wedding rings and love.

February 15, 2009

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Did you get engaged for Valentine's Day? It's one of the most popular times of year for couples to commit. By now, you're probably getting tons of advice—and hopefully some nice messages from the friends who've seen the photo you added to Facebook last night. So, congratulations—and now here's our helpful advice about protecting your new ring.

Check your homeowners or renters policy first
If you have home insurance, a condominium owners policy or renters insurance, your policy will most likely include coverage for a limited amount of jewelry, usually $500 or $1,000. The limit of coverage applies to all jewelry you own, so be sure to consider the value of all your jewelry before deciding that it's enough coverage.

You have two options for buying more coverage than your home insurance offers. You can add more coverage to your home or renter's policy by adding an endorsement to cover the appraised value of your ring or all of your jewelry. This type of policy endorsement is sometimes called a floater or jewelry floater or a personal articles policy. The cost is based on a certain price per thousand dollars of insured value, usually around $2 to $5 per $100. So, the cost to insure a $3,000 ring might range from $60 to $100 a year. If you have a loss, your insurance company has the option of paying you the appraised amount or replacing the ring.

If you don't have home insurance or want to compare rates before you insure your ring, try a jewelry insurance specialist. Many companies will offer an online quote, so you can compare costs and coverage. An appraisal from a certified jeweler will be helpful to establish the value of your ring whether you buy online or from an agent.

Finally, while you're at it, take a few minutes to review your insurance coverage for all of your valuable items, including computers and electronics. If you need help finding out if your valuables are properly insured, contact your insurance agent or insurance company for more information.

Handle with care
You can't insure your ring for daily "wear and tear." So be extra careful while cleaning or doing household chores. Harsh chemicals can damage precious stones and metals, especially platinum, and a rough blow can easily dislodge a stone from its setting. A jeweler can polish your wedding bands, but it's not a free service, so try to avoid scratches and nicks when you can. And, it's a good idea to have a jeweler check your ring every year for loose prongs or stones. It costs little to replace a prong—and you'll avoid an insurance claim in the long run.

Some jewelers offer a service plan to cover wear and tear. These plans are usually either included in the price of the ring or available after purchase for a percentage of the original price. Service plans almost never cover theft, loss, or damage beyond normal wear and tear, so they are not a substitute for insurance.

Hold on tight
OK. These tips might sound like they came from your grandmother, but seriously—who wants to take a chance?

* When you take off your ring, always put it in the same place. A ring-holder is a great idea.
* Don't place your ring on the counter next to the sink when you wash your hands—unless the drain opening is covered.
* Sunscreen is slippery—so be careful not to lose your ring at the beach or pool—or on your honeymoon.
* Resize a ring that doesn't fit, even if it costs extra. Rings have fallen off the hands of the newly engaged and been lost forever, so ignore this advice at your own risk.

Insurance can never replace the sentimental value of a wedding ring, but it can give you some peace of mind and protect your investment.

Home Insurance and 4th of July Fireworks

Home Insurance and 4th of July Fireworks

June 29, 2009
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Does your home insurance cover fireworks accidents? With the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, it’s important to know the answer. What types of accidents are there, will your home insurance company pay for them, and how can you avoid them?

Because each house and family is unique, there is no single or easy answer to these questions. Most home insurance policies provide many different types of protection, and these protections often have different payment limits. Also, there are different types of accidents.

Different accidents, different coverages. If fireworks set fire to leaves in your gutter, a section of your home insurance policy for fire incidents could cover the damage. Fireworks that malfunction and injure a friend on your property could be covered under a section for medical payments to others. Likewise, a section on liability payments could cover your fireworks accidentally shooting into your neighbor’s house and breaking a window.

Get an umbrella (policy). If you have lots of assets or need more protection, consider adding an umbrella policy. A personal umbrella liability policy can protect you after you reach the limits of your standard policy. It may also protect you in areas not covered on your other policies.

Each homeowners insurance policy is different, so if you have a question, ask your insurance company to point out and explain the sections of your policy that describe your coverage.

Practice safety. Even if you understand your home insurance policy and are sure you’re covered, the best way to avoid problems is to focus on safety by using proper pyrotechnic practices. Every year, thousands of people are injured by fireworks, and some are even killed.

Imagine how you would feel if you burned down a neighbor’s house or seriously injured someone while trying to celebrate. Insurance questions would probably be the last thing on your mind. Even if your insurance did cover the accident, the consequences could continue for the rest of your life.

Keep children safe. According to the latest fireworks injury report from the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), children make up a large percentage of fireworks injuries each year. Even children under five are injured often, including many burns from sparklers – which can reach temperatures of 1,200 and even 2,000 degrees. The best advice is to avoid private fireworks displays. If you want to see fireworks, go to a professional public display. However, if you insist on lighting fireworks yourself, please follow these fireworks safety tips from the CPSC.

Protect your home for less.

Protect your home for less.

Home insurance does more than satisfying a bank's requirements. It lets you and your family know that you'll be financially protected. Condo, renters and homeowners insurance can cover the structure of your home as well as your belongings – even when they're not in your house. In addition, home owner insurance can cover you for legal liability and more.

At Insurance.com, you can compare renters, condo, or home insurance quotes from our partners online and buy a policy whenever you're ready. Start a quote to see discounts and rates, investigate your options and come back whenever your want.

We believe home insurance can be easy, so we make it simple for you to start your research online. If you're ready to buy your home owners insurance, you can call, buy online or have a licensed agent call you. We're here to make comparing home insurance quotes less painful!

Get affordable health insurance.

Get affordable health insurance.

Health insurance costs keep rising, but health care coverage provides essential financial protection for your family. You need coverage to avoid medical costs you can't afford, but you don't want to pay for coverage you don't need. That's why it's so important to compare health insurance quotes from multiple companies. You can get the family health insurance you need at a competitive price.

Many customers research their health insurance options online and then call to speak with a licensed agent. Because you can customize your health insurance search with Insurance.com, you get the health insurance quote you want and the coverage your family needs.

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Home Insurance and 4th of July Fireworks

June 29, 2009
Share this article about home insurance and fireworks from Insurance.com!

Does your home insurance cover fireworks accidents? With the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, it’s important to know the answer. What types of accidents are there, will your home insurance company pay for them, and how can you avoid them?

Because each house and family is unique, there is no single or easy answer to these questions. Most home insurance policies provide many different types of protection, and these protections often have different payment limits. Also, there are different types of accidents.

Different accidents, different coverages. If fireworks set fire to leaves in your gutter, a section of your home insurance policy for fire incidents could cover the damage. Fireworks that malfunction and injure a friend on your property could be covered under a section for medical payments to others. Likewise, a section on liability payments could cover your fireworks accidentally shooting into your neighbor’s house and breaking a window.

Get an umbrella (policy). If you have lots of assets or need more protection, consider adding an umbrella policy. A personal umbrella liability policy can protect you after you reach the limits of your standard policy. It may also protect you in areas not covered on your other policies.

Each homeowners insurance policy is different, so if you have a question, ask your insurance company to point out and explain the sections of your policy that describe your coverage.

Practice safety. Even if you understand your home insurance policy and are sure you’re covered, the best way to avoid problems is to focus on safety by using proper pyrotechnic practices. Every year, thousands of people are injured by fireworks, and some are even killed.

Imagine how you would feel if you burned down a neighbor’s house or seriously injured someone while trying to celebrate. Insurance questions would probably be the last thing on your mind. Even if your insurance did cover the accident, the consequences could continue for the rest of your life.

Keep children safe. According to the latest fireworks injury report from the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), children make up a large percentage of fireworks injuries each year. Even children under five are injured often, including many burns from sparklers – which can reach temperatures of 1,200 and even 2,000 degrees. The best advice is to avoid private fireworks displays. If you want to see fireworks, go to a professional public display. However, if you insist on lighting fireworks yourself, please follow these fireworks safety tips from the CPSC.

Get a Home Insurance quote today.

Get a Home Insurance quote today.
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When it comes to protecting yourself and your assets, home owners insurance is your main line of defense. Get your home insurance quote today. You can even educate yourself with home insurance tips and articles.
Protect your home for less.

Home insurance does more than satisfying a bank's requirements. It lets you and your family know that you'll be financially protected. Condo, renters and homeowners insurance can cover the structure of your home as well as your belongings – even when they're not in your house. In addition, home owner insurance can cover you for legal liability and more.

At Insurance.com, you can compare renters, condo, or home insurance quotes from our partners online and buy a policy whenever you're ready. Start a quote to see discounts and rates, investigate your options and come back whenever your want.

We believe home insurance can be easy, so we make it simple for you to start your research online. If you're ready to buy your home owners insurance, you can call, buy online or have a licensed agent call you. We're here to make comparing home insurance quotes less painful!
Helpful Home Insurance Tips
Home Insurance and 4th of July Fireworks

Home insurance might cover your July 4th fireworks accidents, but focusing on safety could prevent them instead. Learn what kind of fireworks-related mishaps homeowners insurance could cover and how to stay safe.
Read More Read More

Insuring Your Wedding or Engagement Ring

Valentine's Day ranks near the top for new engagements. If you got a new engagement ring or wedding ring, learn about how to protect it by understanding how coverage relates to your home, renters, or condo insurance.
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How to Update Your Home Insurance

Learn about adjusting your home insurance coverage, or how to shop if your Florida policy could be canceled.
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My Tree Fell on My Neighbor's Porch - Whose Home Insurance Covers the Damage?

Home insurance can come into play when one of your trees falls on a neighbor's property.
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Understanding the Difference Between HMO PPO and POS

Understanding the Difference Between HMO PPO and POS

November 10, 2008

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Which health insurance plan is best for your small business?
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Point-of-Service Plans (POS) are all types of managed health care. The purpose of managed care is to provide its members with access to a comprehensive system of medical care that offers savings and encourages quality service. While larger companies can afford to offer a choice of health plans, a smaller business can save money by comparing health insurance plans each year before the annual enrollment period. While cost is a key factor, make sure that the network you select provides convenience and coverage in your local area.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)
When your health care coverage is provided by a Health Maintenance Organization, you typically must select an HMO physician to be your primary health care provider. This doctor will coordinate all of your medical care, including referrals to specialists, such as a dermatologist, cardiologist or surgeon. If you choose to seek treatment from a non-network physician, you will generally be required to pay most of the cost yourself. By law, an HMO cannot require referrals for emergency care, so an HMO will pay for emergency room treatment without a referral.

Due to the restriction of choosing from mostly HMO network services, it's important to check the physician listing and hospital affiliations for the HMO you are considering. If the list is extensive and you are satisfied with the hospitals used by the HMO network, an HMO may be a good choice. On average, HMOs are the least expensive health option for employers and employees. Doctor's visits, preventive care, and medical treatment are covered by your monthly insurance premium, and there is no individual or family deductible to meet. There is generally a co-payment for each visit that varies based on the type of service provided and the plan you select, but typically no co-insurance. Most standard HMO plans do not have a lifetime maximum benefit amount. Some HMOs are starting to offer more choices in plan configuration, allowing their members to visit preferred providers outside of the network. This gives their members access to an HMO network and a PPO network at the same time, although the PPO portion usually involves deductibles and co-insurance.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
A Preferred Provided Organization is more flexible than a traditional HMO insurance plan, but it still operates with a list of physicians and hospitals that are considered "within the PPO network." With a PPO plan, you may visit an out-of-network provider and still receive some coverage for their services. However, because the insurance company has not negotiated discounted rates with these providers, you will usually have to pay co-insurance or the difference between the network and out-of-network prices. The co-payment amounts for office visits and other services are also smaller if you see a doctor in the PPO network than if you see an out-of-network doctor. If you do choose to stray from your PPO network, you may need to pay for the treatment and submit the receipt to your PPO insurance provider for a partial reimbursement. Lastly, you do not need a referral if you wish to see a specialist, nor do you usually need to select a primary care physician.

HMO vs. PPO Prescription Plans
Both plans may include a prescription drug benefit if you, as an employer, choose to offer one. You can decide what percentage of each prescription is covered by your HMO or PPO and what percentage the employee will be required to pay. The coverage price may range anywhere from a co-pay of $5 for some drugs, to a co-pay of almost the entire amount for others. Most plans also include a higher co-payment if the employee chooses a brand name drug over a generic formula, if one was available and recommended by the physician. Some HMO medical buildings have an in-house pharmacy, which may be an added convenience.

Point-of-Service Plan (POS)
The POS plan is like a combination of the HMO and PPO plans. You are required to designate an in-network physician to be your primary health care provider. You may go out-of-network if you choose, but in doing so, you will have to pay most of the cost yourself, unless a primary care physician refers you to that specific doctor. In that instance, the health plan will pay all or most of your bill. Depending on the networks available in your area, a POS plan may be a great choice for your small business, if your employees work in multiple cities with different groups of doctors and hospitals available to them.

There are many choices for today's small businesses, and some health insurance companies give you the ability to offer more than one option to your employees. If you are interested in getting a health insurance plan for yourself or your business, Insurance.com helps you compare multiple rates from top health insurance providers.

Health Insurance Reform in 2009

Health Insurance Reform in 2009

February 26, 2009

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"Let there be no doubt: health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year."

President Obama made this bold promise to hopeful Americans in his recent address to Congress. Few listeners debate the importance of health care, but providing quality affordable health care for every American will clearly challenge Democrats and Republicans to work together to meet this goal.

As unemployment rises, even fewer Americans will have health insurance through an employer. And, rising medical costs are forcing small and large businesses to reduce coverage, increase co-pays and deductibles and raise the amount that employees must pay each month. Some small business owners have even converted traditional health insurance plans to high deductible plans.

Insurance.com offers these tips for evaluating your health care options and saving money on your medical bills.

My employer offers an HMO and a PPO. How do I decide?
Both provide excellent care, but you may want to choose an HMO if its network of doctors and hospitals matches your needs. Health insurance with a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is generally less expensive. You're required to select an HMO physician to be your primary health care provider. This doctor will coordinate all of your medical care, including referrals to specialists within your HMO network. If you seek treatment from a non-network physician, you will generally pay most of the cost yourself.

A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is more flexible than an HMO plan, but it still operates with a list of physicians and hospitals that are "within the PPO network." You may visit an out-of-network provider, but you will pay the difference between the PPO network and out-of-network prices. Both plans usually offer a prescription drug benefit, as well. Some companies are offering options that allow you to combine features of both HMO and PPO plans.

I can't afford full health insurance, but I want coverage for major emergencies.
A high deductible health insurance plan or catastrophic health insurance offer coverage for major illnesses or accidents. For example, a plan with a $5,000 deductible requires you to pay all of your medical expenses up to $5,000 before your insurer begins to pay. If you choose a high deductible plan, try to save a small amount of money each month in a Health Savings Account (HSA) so that you're not overwhelmed by routine medical expenses.

I have health insurance, but it seems like I'm always paying for something.
Sad but true. You may owe a co-payment for doctor's visits or a trip to the ER. Usually, this is a flat fee, but it can get expensive if you don't stay within your plan network.

Secondly, payment for expenses is subject to your annual deductible, which is the amount you pay toward your medical expenses before the insurance company begins to pay claims. Some HMO plans do not have deductibles but do have co-payments.

Lastly, there's co-insurance, which is the percentage of your medical costs that you pay after you reach your annual deductible. 80/20 co-insurance is a common option, and that means that your insurer pays 80% of your bills and you pay 20%—after your deductible. So, anything you can do to reduce your medical bills will help you reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, too.

I don't have health insurance. What can I do?
Almost every hospital has a financial aid office that will evaluate your personal situation and determine your ability to pay for required care. Generally, a hospital will provide sliding scale fees if your income is 400% or less of federal poverty limits and may eliminate bills entirely if your income is 200% or less of federal poverty limits. But hospitals have to make money, too, so they may not publicize these programs or provide much assistance in applying. Be prepared with recent copies of your tax returns and W-2's to prove your need.

We agree with President Obama that all Americans deserve quality affordable health care and look forward to the details of its delivery. What do you think? Looking for different information? Have questions or feedback? Please let us know.

The Hunt For A Missing Life Insurance Policy

The Hunt For A Missing Life Insurance Policy

November 10, 2008

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Uh-oh! You're the beneficiary of a relative who just died, but their policy is nowhere to be found! What do you do? Well, don't panic, because if you find it in the near future, you may still be able to claim the death benefit. Here's what to do if a life insurance policy is missing:


1. Look through canceled checks or go to the relative's bank and request copies of any old checks. When reviewing the checks, see if there are any made out to life insurance companies.
2. Ask your relative's lawyer, insurance agent or accountant and see what information they can give you on your relative's finances.
3. Call their old employers and see if they bought into the company's group life insurance.
4. Call the Medical Information Bureau (MIB)—an organization that maintains a database showing if insurers requested your relative's medical information. If your relative applied for a life insurance policy within the past seven years, the MIB will more than likely have some kind of paper trail to help you find it. In addition, the MIB offers a Policy Locator Service that will search over the last 12 years to locate applications, for a fee.

Naming a beneficiary
If you are making someone your beneficiary, here are a couple of things you will want to do:

1. Be sure to provide your beneficiary with your life insurance policy details, such as policy number, insurance agent's name, company phone number and email address.
2. Keep your records together. To make it easier on your beneficiary, be sure to keep all of your records (financial and medical) together in one place. This will help alleviate any panic or stress if your beneficiary needs to find something after you have passed.

Different kinds of policies

* Term policy—If your relative had a term life insurance policy, and they died during the term and paid their premiums, the named beneficiary will receive their death benefits. If they died outside of the term or failed to pay their premiums, you won't receive anything.
* Permanent policy—If the policy was in force at the time of death, the named beneficiary will receive the death benefits. If the relative died a while ago, the beneficiary is entitled to the death benefits plus the interest accrued from the date of death.
* Lapsed policy—If your relative had a permanent life insurance policy and they stopped making payments and the policy lapsed, the insurance company could switch its status to one of the non-forfeiture options selected at purchase or specified in the policy. These options include extended term, reduced paid-up, cash surrender value, and loan value. In most cases, laws specify that there are certain amounts that must be returned to a policyholder or beneficiary even if premiums were not fully paid.

Lapsed Policy Non-forfeiture Options

* Extended term uses any built up cash value to buy a term life insurance policy in the amount of the current policy. If the insured dies before the term ends, the beneficiary collects the benefit. Otherwise, the beneficiary gets nothing.
* Reduced paid-up means that the life insurance company uses the cash value of the policy to buy as much insurance as possible. This reduces the death benefits, but keeps the policy in force.
* Cash surrender value refers to the amount of cash value a policy has. This amount is returned to the policyholder or beneficiary and the policy is canceled.
* Loan value is the amount of the policy's cash value available as a loan. This amount will be returned to the policyholder or beneficiary and the policy will be cancelled.

If the policy lapses due to the death of the insured, the beneficiary will collect the full death benefit. Also, there is no time limit on when the beneficiary can collect the death benefit. The only requirement is that the death certificate is presented to the life insurance company to verify the insured's death. If the beneficiary never comes forward, then no one receives the money.

Unreported death
If the policyholder dies and the insurance company isn't informed, the policy will lapse. In this case, the life insurance company will send letters informing the insured that payment was not received and their policy may lapse if this continues. If there is still no response, the insurance company may initiate a search, but if no answer is found, the policy will automatically lapse due to delinquency of payment.

Unclaimed death benefits: are they gone forever?
If a beneficiary doesn't collect death benefits, and the life insurance company can't find the beneficiary after a few years, the money is transferred back to the state where the life insurance policy was originally purchased. The full amount must be turned over to the state comptroller department within three to five years of the insured death. There, it is put into a bank account and considered "unclaimed property."

A database with the names and addresses of lost beneficiaries is located at the state comptroller's office, and many times, they try to find the beneficiaries to distribute the death benefits to. Depending on your state, you may be able to go online, look in the paper for any unclaimed death benefits, or call the state comptroller or treasurer for information.

It should be noted that if the life insurance company doesn't know the insured has died, they are not required to turn the money over to the state. If the state doesn't have a death benefits law in place, then the money will remain at the insurance company and they can continue to search for the beneficiary. Also, it is very rare for money to be turned over to the state, because most insurance companies have their own search techniques to find beneficiaries.


Insurance.com is a national online auto insurance agency, not a life insurance agency. We do not have information about specific life insurance policies, nor can we personally assist in locating a policy. If you choose to consult a service that will search for a policy for you, be sure they are reputable before you provide personal information or payment. If you have any questions or comments about this article, let us know, but please do not send personal information, such as your address, policy number, or social security number.

Life Insurance Do You Need?

How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

November 10, 2008
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If you're researching your life insurance needs, you might well be getting a lot of complicated information. It's not a simple subject.

The question "how much do I need" might not be the most useful way to approach the problem. The question you may want to ask is, "What do I want my life insurance to accomplish?" Then you can start to determine how much life insurance you'll need. Calculating your life insurance needs takes homework. It requires an individual solution, not a one-size-fits-all approach or a throwaway equation.
Why Do You Need Life Insurance?

This is a specific question, not a general topic. Think about why you're considering life insurance, or why you're considering an increase in the amount of life insurance you have. The most common reason for purchasing life insurance is to replace the income of a family member that others depend on. For that need alone, it's usually acceptable to multiply your annual salary by 20 and buy that amount of term life insurance for a period that will cover you until you retire.

If you have additional debts or obligations, you can consider adding those to the amount of insurance you need. However, keep in mind that debts and obligations like mortgages usually decrease over time, while a family's need for income replacement does not. If you and your spouse both work and are financially stable, it might not be difficult for your spouse to pay off a mortgage or debts, as long as you buy enough insurance to replace your income. If you're a single parent, however, you would probably need to purchase enough coverage to pay off all debts so that they're not passed on to your children.
Not Leaving a Burden

For some people, life insurance may seem too expensive, especially if they're just starting a family. If that's the case, it may make sense to initially purchase only enough insurance to cover your debts and obligations. Although you need to realize that it's risky to be underinsured, it's better that not having any life insurance. As your financial situation improves, you can usually purchase more insurance under similar terms.

For single people with no children, purchasing a small amount of life insurance can be an inexpensive way to cover debts and final expenses.
Additional Life Insurance Uses

Not everyone buys life insurance to replace income. If you're wealthy, have a large estate, or simply wish to donate to charity or establish a trust for your family, life insurance can be a smart purchase. If you have a large estate, you may want to consider buying a life insurance policy as a way to pay the estate taxes when you die. Otherwise, your family could be forced to sell off assets in order to pay the estate taxes. Life insurance could also be a good way to donate to a charity without paying taxes, or to establish a trust for your family or for philanthropic purposes.
Regularly Review Your Insurance

Because things change and it's impossible to predict the future, it's important to review your life insurance needs and coverage at least annually. If you make a change in your life, such as getting married, buying a larger house, or having children, your life insurance needs will probably increase. If your salary increases dramatically and your family becomes accustomed to a higher standard of living, your life insurance needs will also become higher. If you're certain of one of these changes before you purchase life insurance, make sure to include your expected circumstances in your insurance calculations.

Looking for different information? Have questions or feedback? Please let us know.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs

Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs

November 10, 2008

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Do you work in a dangerous occupation? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a job is considered dangerous based on the fatality rate, which is a ratio between deaths and the total number of people employed in the profession. The top 10 most dangerous jobs (by fatality rate) in 2007 were:

1. Fishers and related fisher workers
2. Logging workers
3. Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
4. Structural iron and steel workers
5. Farmers and ranchers
6. Roofers
7. Electrical power-line installers and repairers
8. Drivers/sales workers and truck drivers
9. Refuse and recyclable material collectors
10. Police and sheriff's patrol officers

This list does not reflect the actual number of deaths—for example, the occupation with the highest actual number of fatalities was "Drivers/sales workers and truck drivers" with 908 deaths in 2007.

Do you have the life insurance protection you need?
It's a fact that some occupations are riskier than others. But no matter what you do for a living, take a look at your life insurance needs. Life insurance can help you financially protect your loved ones after you die. If you're single, and no one is depending upon your income for support, you may not need life insurance. But if any of the following is true, consider buying life insurance:

* You're married and your spouse depends on your income
* You have children
* You have an aging parent or disabled relative who depends on your income
* Your retirement savings, pension, or other cash accounts won't adequately support your loved ones after you die
* You have a large estate and expect to owe estate taxes
* You own a business
* You'd like to donate life insurance proceeds to a charity or school

Calculators and worksheets are available to help you determine how much life insurance you need. You may want to contact an insurance agent or broker who can help you determine what type of life insurance is best for you and the amount of coverage you need.

Do you have the disability insurance you need?
If you work in a high-risk occupation, you probably know how important it is to have disability insurance coverage. But don't rely on government programs such as Social Security and workers compensation as your main source of protection. In reality, government programs pay only limited benefits under restrictive terms (e.g. you must meet a strict definition of disability to qualify).

Your employer may offer group disability insurance at low or no cost to you. This coverage is called Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage. But you may also want to consider purchasing an individual disability insurance policy. Although you'll pay more for individual coverage than for a group policy, you often get more benefits. And keep in mind that if you leave your job or otherwise terminate your relationship with a group, you can't take your disability policy with you, and you usually can't convert it to an individual disability policy. This means that you may be left without disability coverage when you need it most.

Shop around for coverage
Since many different types of life and disability policies are available, it's important to shop around for coverage to find a life insurance policy that meets your individual needs. Since premium costs vary widely, get quotes from several insurance companies. Just make sure you're comparing policies that offer similar benefits.

Do you have any questions or comments? Please let us know.

Protect

Protect your family with life insurance.

Life insurance gives your family protection and peace of mind. It's also fairly inexpensive, especially if you shop around. Insurance.com makes it simple to compare multiple life insurance quotes from top companies. Just enter some basic information to see the discounts and coverage options available from our partners. It's easy to get an online life insurance rate you can afford.

We think you should research and buy life insurance the way you want. When it's time to talk to someone about your life insurance quotes, you can call or have a licensed agent call you. Getting a good deal from a brand-name life insurance company doesn't need to be hard. We love insurance, and we're here to help.
Helpful Life Insurance Tips
Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs

It's a fact that some occupations are riskier than others. Is your job among the most dangerous? Find out if your job is in the top 10.
Read More Read More

How to Buy Life Insurance

Buying life insurance is an easy way to protect your family. If you know what to look for, you can get the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
Read More Read More

How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

How much life insurance do you need? It's not a simple question. The best approach is to examine why you want life insurance and then calculate how much you need to accomplish your goal.
Read More Read More

The Hunt For A Missing Life Insurance Policy

If you're the beneficiary of a relative who just died, and you can't find their life insurance policy, don’t panic. You'll still be able to claim the death benefits. Here's what to do when a life insurance policy is missing.
Read More Read More