Read our informative Contractor Liability Insurance FAQ

Q: How much does term life insurance cost?
A: Term life insurance is one of the least expensive types of life insurance you can choose. You pay a lower premium, because you are only paying for the insurance coverage. Another type of insurance, called cash value life insurance, charge higher premiums because they include investment options in your policy.

Term life makes financial sense because you are free to choose how you want to save and invest.The cost of a term life policy will depend on a number of factors, including: Who you are (your age, sex and health). How long the policy will last (the policy's term). The amount of insurance coverage you request.

Q: How Long is a Term?
A: The length of a term insurance policy may be as short as an airplane trip or as long as a lifetime. Traditionally, term insurance has been offered in increments of 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years. In some cases, the term may be defined as the time until the insured reaches a specified age. Term to age 65, for example, provides coverage until the insured reaches age 65.

Q: Do I need Life Insurance?
A: Your family may depend on your income for necessities and comforts. Could they maintain the same quality of life if you were no longer there to provide for them? You should consider life insurance if:

-- You have a spouse.
-- You have dependent children.
-- You have an older parent or disabled relative who depends on your support.
-- The retirement pension and savings may not keep pace with your family' s cost of living.
-- You have a sizeable estate.
-- You own a business.

The right life insurance policy will take care of the financial responsibilities you leave behind. In addition to the peace of mind of knowing that you have provided for your family in the event of your death, there is another reason to consider life insurance. Life insurance benefits can be used to pay estate taxes and funeral expenses. Unlike funds from your estate, life insurance benefits go directly to your beneficiaries without the delay of the probate process. If your estate (including real estate and investments exceeds the federal estate tax exemption (currently $600,000, scheduled to gradually increase to $1,000,000 by 2006), your heirs may be taxed at rates from 37% to 55%. Life insurance can help your heirs pay these taxes without liquidating other assets.

Q: What should I consider when buying homeowners insurance?
A: First and foremost, buy the amount and type of insurance you need. Remember: if your policy limit is less than 80% of the replacement cost of your home, you will face a "coinsurance penalty," which means you’ll have out-of-pocket expenses to cover costs beyond your policy’s deductible. For example: Your home's estimated replacement value (RCV) is $100,000. The co-insurance clause requires you carry at least $80,000 (80% of your RCV), so you would be underinsured by half if you bought a $40,000 policy. In such a scenario, the company would pay half of a loss less the policy deductible - so if you had a $500 deductible and suffered a $10,000 covered loss, your policy would only pay $4,500.

Also, figure out how much personal property insurance and personal liability coverage you need. Personal property, like a home, should be insured for its replacement value. Personal liability is a bit more subjective, but limits should not be less than those on other liability insurance such as auto. Seek advice from a financial or legal professional if in doubt. Finally, think about the extras you could add to your policy. For example, do you want the personal property replacement cost endorsement or the earthquake endorsement? Finally, once you have decided on the coverage you want, you can decide which insurer you would like to purchase the insurance from. You should also decide whether you would like an insurance agent to help you make decisions or you want to buy the product directly from an insurer without an agent

Q: Where and when is my personal property covered?
A: Coverage C, the named perils coverage, applies to all your personal property (except property specifically excluded) anywhere in the world. For example, suppose that while traveling, you purchased a dresser and you wanted to ship it home. Your homeowners policy would provide coverage while the dresser is in transit - even though the dresser has never been in your home before

Q: What is the best health plan for me?
A: Choosing a health plan can be a confusing experience. Although there is no one "best" plan, there are some plans that will be better than others for you and your family's health needs. We will try to guide you in simple terms. However, rather than just giving you answers, the best thing we can do is to make sure you are equipped with the right questions. The following frequently asked questions can help you make sense of all your health care choices and options:

Here are some major things to consider, each with their own unique set of questions. By considering the questions thoroughly, you will arrive at the right plan for you and your family.

Q: Where to Find Cheap Insurance for Kids ?
A: Millions of American children who aren't covered by insurance are not getting the health care they need. The government's main response to this crisis is an low-income assistance program called CHIP. Since its launch a few years ago, more than 2 million children have been enrolled.

According to a recent survey, these kids are more likely to get preventive care and to see doctors when they need to. Every state has its own eligibility rules, but generally CHIP works best for households where parents don't get health insurance through their jobs and don't earn enough to buy it on their own.

But CHIP covers only a fraction of the 11 million kids whose families need help. Think your family -- or one you know -- might be eligible? Call this toll-free number: 1-877-KIDS-NOW.

Q: Are There Any Other Types?
A: There are endless variations of life insurance policies, but every policy contains term, permanent or a combination of both.

Q: So, Which Is Better?
A: When shopping for life insurance, your first instinct will likely be to ask, "Which is better: term or permanent life insurance?" The problem with asking such a question is that it implies that the answer is an absolute. When in actuality, the best type of insurance depends entirely on your personal circumstances.

Because there is a multitude of variations and combinations of life insurance, deciding that term or permanent insurance is always better than the other may prevent you from seeing all the options available to you. In order to determine the type of insurance that best suits you, it is important to meet with a qualified, licensed insurance representative to examine your needs, goals and resources.

Q: Why pet health insurance?
A: In today’s society, pets are very much a part of the American family. Families grow to love their pets, and make them a part of their family life, treating them with dignity, love and respect. When a pet become ill, and suffers, the family feels its pain.

This is why today, more and more families are getting health insurance for their pets. A pet insurance policy does not guarantee protection from disease, but it does guarantee that your pet will receive the health care it deserves through a network of participating veterinary medicine providers.

Most policies include preventive health coverage, which includes regular check ups and vaccinations. Diagnostic screening for life-threatening diseases, and periodic blood tests will give you peace of mind, give your pet the care it needs to live a healthy and productive life.