Health Insurance Enrollment Process

Milder winter Mainly a positive factor in New England -

It is not surprising that the weather is good for the economy, but it is a bit of a shock to realize how reach the point and usually beneficial from a milder winter effects can be everywhere. The mild weather this winter has been a boon to national, boost sales to renovation superstores Home Depot and Lowes and help local governments save money on cleaning costs of snow. Short consumers money can breathe easier, too, since the average winter heating bill this year fell nearly $ 0 compared to the last two snowy, cold years.
Yet most of us do not plan on ice and snow to keep our businesses afloat and fewer winter storms are not good news for everyone. Some New Hampshire businesses that rely on winter sports and tourism show a slow 2012, and visits to the ski resort area fell. There is snow in the mountains, though: stations across New England have been able to use snowmaking equipment wisely. Despite the fact that this winter has touted third less snow in the 46 years that NOAA was keeping, ski resorts are open.
Now, in the insurance industry, we are used to help companies and families to ensure against the perils weather - too good weather is generally not something people insure against. But where there is a dollar to be made, the market will find. In the article How Wall Street Profits Weather Bizarre form, the author talks about how supposedly derived weather, saying

"contracts, many of which trade like stocks, are generally indexed on things as rainfall and temperatures. But in recent years, specifically related to snowfall contracts began to take off in popularity. the contacts essentially act like insurance, allowing, for example, retailers or the ski mountain to ensure against too much snow or too little. Wall Street sells contracts, matching buyers and sellers and pocket a small commission. generally, it is a good deal, but this year, it could be a real moneymaker. "

More about weather derivatives.
There is a group that can always be relied upon to hold the snow and winter storms: children. This year they have been cheated and unfortunately has not reaped the same record number of snow days as they got used to. But even this will work well. In at least one Massachusetts town, they will get spring break a week instead

Put in a claim owners? ... Talk to your agent first -

Bob Hollis of Hollis Insurance Agency offers these tips for homeowners who have a claim :!
At present, most people are aware of how insurance companies are quick on the draw to cancel a home insurance policy after the policyholder files a claim (or some claim). The best investors are more likely to cancel a policy if they feel the demand could have been avoided with better maintenance or effort to avoid a claim against a genuine "act of God". Others use any distinction. So in any case, I use the analogy that when it comes to file a claim, you only have a few bullets in your gun. Use these balls in those situations where you really need them. This is made even more important by the fact that once you have been canceled for the death benefit, not other companies as well and make sure you will end up in the Fair MA plane, generally with less coverage and a higher premium.
So, if you have a $ 1,000 deductible and demand could come to $ 1,300, think carefully before removing. Save your bullets for the general! The best advice? Call your agent to file the application before contacting the insurance company and we'll break it down for you and come up with an action plan that will help you the most.

Covers my car insurance when I rent a car? -

This is a client of the agency member Renaissance Encharter Insurance Alliance.
Memorial Day is around the corner and soon the children will be in school. Where are your summer vacation plans, you and your family enjoy this year? If a rental car is part of your plan, let us help you answer a common question people ask their insurance agents: Does my car insurance cover my rental car
When you rent a car you have the option to purchase insurance from the rental company, but you may not need. Your auto policy may cover your rental car, so before your trip, it's a good idea to talk with your agent. Ask your agent if your policy covers a rental car, and if it does not, inquire about the cost of adding your current coverage. Depending on the price of the rental company insurance and how often you travel, it can be a good addition to your car insurance policy. If you do not own a car, ask your insurance agent about a non-owner auto insurance policy which provides benefits in addition to the rental car coverage. Finally, talk to your credit card company and see what coverage it can provide should an accident occur while driving a rental car.
If you are ever in doubt about the coverage of your insurance policy offers, it is always best to call your agent. Each policy is different, designed specifically for the needs of you and your family.

The rains bring a reprieve, but it is always good preparation for wildfires -

Have you heard a loud whistle when the rains started this weekend? If so, it was probably a collective sigh of relief by fire marshals and emergency workers throughout New England. We had a few bad weeks of drought. With any luck, it's over, but time will tell. We were at increased risk of fire because there is a high level of dry debris felled tree in the storm Halloween monster and some high wind events during the winter.
Forest fires are fires that start outside of developed areas. Also known as bush fires, grass fires, wildfires and the sworn enemy of Smokey Bear, forest fires, uncontrolled forest fires have made headlines in recent years because they devastate increasingly large parts of the United States. Forest fires have long been a huge problem for the western states, but widespread drought conditions in recent years have made a real danger on the east coast as well. Many were surprised New England by the smell of smoke and haze in the air from huge fires in Quebec last May. This season began worrying with the recent spate of high fire down the East Coast.
A wildfire differs from other fires by its extensive size, the speed at which it can spread from its original source, its potential to change unexpected direction, and ability to jump gaps such as roads, rivers and firewall. The main cause of forest fires in the United States is lightning, although many forest fires are attributed to human sources such as arson, discarded cigarettes, sparks from equipment lines and arcs Power. Prolonged drought significantly increases the risk of forest fires, as undergrowth becomes dry tinder. Last winter saw record amounts of light snow in New England, leading to lots of dry vegetation than usual and a greater risk of fire accompanying. Human development can also add risk factors, as has been a problem in the fires in Texas last spring, centered around the city fast growing Austin.
While forest fires are unpredictable by nature, you can take steps to minimize risk and possible damage fire. First, be aware of the current risk factors. You are probably already familiar with severe weather warnings from NOAA, but did you know they also have fire watches and warnings? Keep this card risk of fire and to check bookmarked now and then to assess the risk in your community. The objective of a protection plan against fires is effective to keep the fire from coming dangerously close to any structure on the property. Any structure or planting that is too close to your home or business can act as a wick, drawing fire to the buildings
Follow these simple steps to reduce possible damage
Roofs .. Choose a class a fire rated roof covering for you and keep the roof and gutters free of debris
and attic vents :. Eaves and vents can serve as points of entry embers windfall. Cover yours with metal mesh screen 1/8 inches
Annexes :. Awnings, decks and porches can act as a wick providing fire to the building. Consider taking down awnings and clearing all decks or patios if the fire risk is currently at alert level or fires have been reported in your area
Windows :. Radiant heat from a wildfire can break one -pane windows; instead, choose windows with double glazed tempered glass for added protection. Be sure to close all windows before evacuating a fire or in the fire alarm zones, keep them closed
Plantations :. Be extremely careful with landscaping within 15 feet of your home or business. Avoid plants that produce ground litter from the bark, leaves or seeds that Slough off and those with a very low moisture content or small branches and needles that can easily ignite. Regularly prune all the undergrowth and consider using rock or gravel mulch, especially by your building
Dependencies :. storage buildings, bins, pergolas, playground equipment, boats, RVs, and other fuel elements can allow light to reach the building. Where possible, move these at least 30 feet from your home or business. And, while it should go without saying, be sure the propane tanks are located less than 30 feet away from any structure.

What kind of coverage do I absolutely need my motorcycle insurance? -

This is a client of the agency member Renaissance Encharter Insurance Alliance.

The weather is getting warmer and summer is finally here! If you own a motorcycle, summer is definitely your favorite time of year, your sunglasses on the wind blowing through your hair on the open road. Before hitting the road, however, you may be wondering: what kind of coverage that I absolutely need my motorcycle insurance policy
The amount of coverage you are required to have varies by state, but a standard policy requires that you have at least the physical damage and liability coverage for bodily injury. Typically, these will cover you in case of fault accident. Comprehensive and collision coverage can usually help you replace or repair your bike in the event of an accident or theft. Something like the coverage of medical expenses may be worth asking your agent-for motorbikes, there is usually no injury protection, so if someone has no health insurance, they would not have coverage for medical expenses without coverage for medical payments.
motorcyclists also often ask if they can have a cover on the months when they drive their motorcycle. Although this is an option, be aware that this could leave you unprotected against things such as vandalism, theft and fire for the uninsured time. Who knows, you might even be tempted to take the bike on a warm winter day and you do not want to be without coverage!
When making decisions about your insurance coverage, it is always best to talk with your agent. For more information on the cover of the right motorcycle, or other insurance coverage, contact your agent.

Learn from Experts: car thieves and cheats -

The Wall Street Journal offers a fascinating article on Unlocking the secrets of a car thief (Can require registration of the site). It reminded us of a similar article on Edmunds.com :. Confessions of a car thief, who interviewed a reformed professional thief
According to the WSJ article, here's the good news: The FBI reports that car theft has been declining for the past seven years. In 2010, the last full year data f, auto theft has declined 7.4%. But that still represents nearly three-quarters of a million cars stolen in 2010. Experts believe that the new technology has made it more difficult to steal cars than it was in the old "days screwdriver theft" of yesteryear .
But here's the bad news: Professionals can almost always find a way. The article notes that "It may take less than 19 seconds to a fairly strong, savvy thief cars to defeat the security systems that are supposed to prevent anyone from moving or directing a luxury SUV." And Robert Hartwig Insurance Information Institute points that recovery rates are falling. Thieves networks use flatbed trucks and high-tech tools to quickly seize cars and move them for resale or to chop shops for parts.
The best thing you can do to prevent theft is to make things less attractive by providing obstacles. There are a variety of devices and technologies ranging from inexpensive locks the wheel theft alarms for subscription tracking systems for vehicles based on
Another way relatively inexpensive to protect your car is touted by professional law enforcement :. VIN etching, or permanently etching your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the windows of your car. Many states offer free programs or you can order a variety of inexpensive kits online that you can find with a simple search for many insurers offer discounts on auto insurance for cars that have VIN etching "VIN etching. " - Check with your local insurance agent know about this and other discounts available for devices and automobile theft prevention measures
We examined the VIN etching program available via the Auto Theft governor Massachusetts Strike force that offers the service for $ 10 -. You can learn more at 781- 393-01. And other anti-theft measures, we noted in Massachusetts: If you provide information that leads to the arrest of a car thief or location of a chop shop, you could receive a reward confidential money up to ten thousand dollars ($ 10,000.00). All you have to do is call 1-800-HOT-AUTO.
For more tips and ideas, see the article by the Insurance Information Institute on prevention Carjacking / vol

WreckCheck - Mobile App Handy for car accidents eliminates confusion about what to do -

If you are one of the 5 million people who have the misfortune to be involved in an accident car during the next year, you can not be sure what steps to take to protect yourself. Car accidents are rare events that most people do not have high awareness of the spirit of what information needs to be exchanged. In addition, stress, confusion and excitement of the event can be a recipe for problems. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has conducted a survey to find out if consumers know what to do, and they learned most people do not. There were some misconceptions and associated risks:

• Nearly 40% of respondents felt they should share their driver's license, some allow the other driver to photograph their licenses. The risk is that many retailers accept information from driver's license as a common way to verify identity by phone.
• 25% of consumers share their home addresses. The risk: This information gives potential identity thieves the physical location of the mail or garbage, often a desirable place for more financial information; It also means potential criminals know where you live, putting your personal safety at risk.
• Nearly 30% of drivers think they are required to share their personal phone numbers. It's not necessary.
• Almost 20% believe that the only reason to call the police after an accident if someone is injured. However, filing a police report can help facilitate the process of insurance claim

Car accidents :. There's an app for that
NAIC offers a mobile application that takes WreckCheck! guesswork out an exchange of post-accident information. When you download the application, enter your vehicle information and information about your agent and insurer. If you are in an accident, start the application, which will guide you through a step by step process to create an accident report. It also provides tips for staying calm, safe and smart on the road, and it's easy to take photos and document the necessary information to file an insurance claim. In addition, the application allows you to e-mail you an accident report filled directly, as well as your insurance agents.
The application is free and available to smartphone users both iPhone® and Android®.