Health Insurance by the Numbers

The final cost of a medical insurance plan depends on more than just the premiums, even when you compare plans with similar benefits. Understanding the following definitions can help your employees understand the components that affect their medical coverage costs. Continue reading “Health Insurance by the Numbers”

Annuities vs. Life Insurance

Most life insurance companies sell both life insurance policies and annuities. Both require you to be in good health to get the best rates. And both provide financial security. But they play very different roles in your financial portfolio. Continue reading “Annuities vs. Life Insurance”

The Property Risks You Might Have Overlooked

You buy homeowners insurance to protect your home from damage or loss due to fire, theft, vandalism and more. But without certain important coverages, your policy could leave you short of the funds needed to rebuild and recover. Continue reading “The Property Risks You Might Have Overlooked”

Wild Fires

In 2006, a record 9.8 million acres burned in wildfires. Will this year’s droughts make 2015 another record-breaker?

As of May 6, 2014, half of the United States was experiencing some level of drought. Nearly 15 percent of the nation was gripped by extreme to exceptional drought, according to NASA. Continue reading “Wild Fires”

Crisis Management: Where Risk Management and Public Relations Meet

You probably already have a disaster management plan to help your company minimize the effects of a disaster. You’ve probably considered evacuation of employees and customers, data backup, and contingency plans for manufacturing your products or delivering your services. But have you considered the role public relations can play in managing a crisis? Continue reading “Crisis Management: Where Risk Management and Public Relations Meet”

How You Can Fill the Benefits Gap

In the past ten years, employers have faced skyrocketing costs for their employee health plans. If you have employer-sponsored health coverage, your share of costs has probably risen as a result. Continue reading “How You Can Fill the Benefits Gap”

When Life Interferes with Fun: Travel Insurance to the Rescue

When events interfere and make travel planned in advance difficult or impossible, travel insurance can protect your investment.

Families in the South who booked their summer vacations months in advance hardly expected that snow…of all things…might cause them to have to change their plans. Since unusually cold and snowy winter weather in many parts of the U.S. forced school districts to cancel classes, Continue reading “When Life Interferes with Fun: Travel Insurance to the Rescue”

Covering Your Property in Storage

Too much stuff? Almost 9 percent of American households rented a self-storage unit in 2012, up from 6 percent in 1995. Before joining them, be aware that you, as the lessee, remain responsible for loss or damage to everything in your unit, unless your rental agreement specifies otherwise. Continue reading “Covering Your Property in Storage”

Renting Out That Extra Room: Know Your Risks

Home rental clearinghouses such as Airbnb and VRBO make it easy for homeowners to rent out a spare bedroom or a second home when they aren’t using it. This might sound like a good way to earn extra money. Before diving in, consider the risks and your insurance coverage. Continue reading “Renting Out That Extra Room: Know Your Risks”

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

Foreign travel checklist: Passport – check. Visa – check. Airline tickets – check. Hotel reservations – check. Health insurance coverage – ? Any foreign travel requires some planning. Since nothing can ruin a trip faster than an accident or unexpected illness, don’t forget to check how your health insurance coverage applies outside the U.S.! Continue reading “Do You Need Travel Insurance?”