Hoaders risk home insurance banishment

Photo credit: Fairfax County, Virginia

The compulsion of hoarding has been in the spotlight recently thanks to shows on A&E and TLC that document the plight of people who collect piles of items that end up filling their rooms, hallways and stairwells, making life unbearable for both themselves and their families. » read on…

Are parts just parts? Choosing OEM or aftermarket car parts

The cost of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) auto parts has been going up. Increasingly, car insurance companies are specifying aftermarket (akak generic) or recycled parts in car-repair estimates. Non-OEM parts keep cost down, but does their use compromise your vehicle? » read on…

Easy way to track health care reform

It’s no easy task trying to keep up on the dueling proposals for health care reform.

I like to go to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s “side-by-side” comparison tool of health care reform proposals. » read on…

Will new mammogram guidelines change health insurance coverage?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has decided that mammograms aren’t all that preventive, especially for women under 50. » read on…

New York database will reveal secret health insurance charges

Change is in the air for health insurance at the national level, but one state is not letting debate slow reform. In a monumental move, New York State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo announced in late October the formation of a new not-for-profit company, FAIR Health, Inc., to provide independent data to guide “usual, customary, and reasonable” (UCR) rates for out-of-network health charges. » read on…

Protecting yourself from uninsured drivers

Dust swirls, pain sears your neck, and your ears ring. Someone ran a red light, and you have been in a major collision. While your health and safety–and that of your passengers–is undoubtedly your main concern, your second thought may be: “I hope that driver has good car insurance!” » read on…

Squeeze the most from your health insurance

Many people don’t fully understand their health insurance benefits, according to a new survey from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). And this lack of understanding often leads people to pay more out of pocket for health care than they have to. » read on…

Evacuated? Don’t sleep on a cot

As Hurricane Ida bears down on the Gulf Coast, it brings to mind the images of the streams of cars on the highways trying to leave evacuated areas.

One thing that evacuees often don’t realize is that their home insurance can help them out in this situation: When there’s a mandatory evacuation, the “additional living expenses” coverage within your home insurance policy kicks in to pay for a hotel room. » read on…

Life insurance tip: Send in payment with application

If you’re shopping for life insurance, here’s a good tip: Enclose a check for your premium payment with your application. Your life insurance coverage will then be in force from the day your application is received. » read on…

What’s dangerous in everyday life?

It appears to be a no-brainer. A shark is definitely deadlier than a bee, right? » read on…