Insurance is a confusing business. Odd terminology, fine print and high pressure tactics may keep you from really researching and comparing your options. While quick insurance shopping may get you a policy, it probably wont get you the right insurance policy.

There are many types of insurance out there and countless policies offered for each insurance type. Educating yourself about how the insurance system works should be your first step before choosing a policy.

It may surprise you to know that 65% of South Africans have no auto insurance at all. When we take the incidents of accidents and road injuries, this shocks us.

Auto cover comes in three forms. Third party is the minimum coverage and protects you if you injure someone or damage someone else’s property in an auto accident. Third Party Fire and Theft includes cover provided under Third Party and adds protection for damage caused by fire, theft or attempted theft. Comprehensive coverage adds to this by providing protection for your vehicle in an accident that is your fault.

To ensure that you aren’t paying too much for expensive auto insurance, be sure to compare prices and quotes. To reduce your costs, try negotiating with the insurance companies for a lower rate. Also, think about asking for higher excesses, as well as increasing security measures to further reduce your premiums.

Term life insurance is the least expensive option and provides cover for a specified amount of time or can be linked to specific debt obligations. Term life is beneficial for families that may have a large amount of debt that will be paid off by the end of the policy’s term.

Whole life insurance is permanent insurance that remains in effect as long as the premiums are up to date. The policy does not need to be renewed and the premiums remain the same throughout the life of the policy. It provides your beneficiaries a lump sum at your death regardless of when that occurs.

Universal life insurance cover is structured the same way as whole life in that it is permanent insurance with level premiums. In addition, it adds provides financial products such as a savings plan, investments and the ability to add a person to the policy. It is the most expensive life insurance option due to its flexibility.

Your life changes and it is always beneficial to check on the current status of your life insurance to make sure it is still meeting your needs.

Your options for homeowners insurance have expanded thanks to the National Credit Act. Previously, borrowers had to purchase their cover from the bank that financed their loan. Now, you can shop and choose the cover that fits your needs and budget. You’ll be required to cede the policy to your lender so that your policy can pay your bank directly.

When shopping for insurance, remember the old adage that the cheapest policy isn’t always the best. For example, a bicycle costs less than a car but it will not serve the same transportation needs. Hence, you need to find an affordable insurance policy that meets your particular coverage concerns.

By: Graham McKenzie

Families opt for a life insurance policy to provide security against calamities such as death, fire, or accidents. Such deals prove to be a safe way of protecting individuals by agreeing upon a certain amount prefixed by the insurer that would be paid in case of such unfortunate events. Insurance companies assist bereaved families by providing moral, financial, and emotional support. Life insurance is purchased by working employees, and by senior citizens too.

It is possible that a policyholder may not be able to pay the premium fixed due to financial constraints. In this case he would be forced to sell his policies to companies for cash back at a fixed percentage. Some companies may not offer the amount expected by a policyholder. Other companies may agree to pay face value of the policy. An application form has to be filled that includes the medical and policy information to dissolve such a policy and claim compensation.

At times, major companies that invest in buying policies at a lower rate than the purchase value may acquire large sums offered by insurance companies at the time of maturity. Various lenders or brokers, who bid for higher rates, may pay the customers only half the value acquired.

Companies that buy such life insurance settlement policies are major investors who fund many transactions every year for a considerable amount of profit. These policies are held as portfolio assets rather than selling them to outside investors. Such policies are purchased from holders who are in desperate need of money. People may tend to sell their policies to companies without knowing if the company is legally recognized or not.

A policyholder has to consider all such drawbacks and avoid selling them to fraudulent companies who may reap profits over such deals and disappear.

Hence, before selling a policy, individuals are advised to consult lawyers who guide these people. It may prevent them from scams. Selling a life insurance settlement involves a lot of trust in the company. Hence, people need to read the prospect of the companies before taking such a major decision.

By: Ross Bainbridge

Businesses need insurance to ensure it will be able to operate in case any kind of disaster strikes, otherwise all the hard work, time money and effort put into running a business will be wasted. The first step taken to ensure continuity of a business is through insurance. A lot of care should be taken in selecting the right agent, the right carrier and getting the best-suited policy that provides adequate coverage.

Things to Look While Shopping For Business Insurance Coverage:

Choose a package policy rather than going for several separate policies. Try and obtain low rates by opting for a policy offered by a group or professional organization. Make sure the policies do not overlap or duplicate.

Be certain to have a building (building and permanently installed equipments as well as other fixtures) and content (all property in the building used by the business) coverage policy as it will insure the premise against fire, hurricane, flood, earthquakes etc. General liability coverage that protects you against suits filed by clients, customers, delivery people etc. who were injured or suffered property damage while conducting your business is a must. Be certain to include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, personal injury liability, and advertising liability coverage and a few essential things to look while shopping for a business insurance coverage. Auto liability insurance will be necessary if your company uses vehicles to transport goods or people. It will be advisable to go for a workers compensation insurance as well as Employee practice liability insurance as these are extremely necessary in the current environment where suing the employer has become a trend! Seeking business interruption insurance may also be helpful as in case of a fire or damage to the property the insurance will cover the expenses {rent, payroll, taxes etc.} until the premise is repaired and ready for use. Make sure that an adequate number of days are allotted. Go for a policy that will compensate you for decreased income on reopening. Professional liability insurance will be useful too with a virus liability endorsement in case you are in the business of storing sensitive data on computers servers etc and one of the essential things to look while shopping for a business insurance coverage. Adequate medical and health insurance for your employees should be provided. Having a Director & Officer policy will be useful too.

Hire a good agent who understands the needs of your business and who will guide you to select the best possible package at the lowest rates available. Adequately protect your company against unforeseen disasters making sure your business will continue its operation no matter what.
There are a few firms that offer their help to make the task of running a business easier for new entrepreneurs.

By: Alexander Gordon