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OK, if this quote doesn't make you worried, I don't know what will: "The first years teenagers spend as drivers are very risky. In fact, teen drivers have the highest death rates of any age group. In 1997 alone, more than 5,700 teenagers died in motor vehicle crashes, and many more were left severely and permanently injured by crashes.”
Source: Teenagers & Safe Cars

Being the father of a fairly soon-to-be teenager driver, facing the thought of my daughter driving is rather frightening. And although I know I am going have some serious boundaries, revolving around what my daughter can and can't do when she obtains her drivers license, the points below are a very helpful reminder to me about what to do. So I thought they would be of value to others who may be in the same future position I will be in.

What worried parents can do to protect their teens—choose a safe vehicle:

• Avoid vehicles that encourage reckless driving.
Teen drivers not only lack experience, they may also lack maturity. As a result, speeding and reckless driving are common. Sports cars and other vehicles with high performance features, such as turbo charging, are likely to encourage speeding. Choosing a vehicle with a more sedate image will reduce the chances your teen is involved in a speed-related accident.

• Don't let your teen drive an unstable vehicle.
Sport utility vehicles, especially the smaller ones, are inherently less stable than cars because of their higher centers of gravity. Abrupt steering maneuvers—the kind that can occur when teens are fooling around or over-correcting a driver error—can cause rollovers where a more stable car would, at worst, skid or spin out.

• Pick a vehicle that offers good crash protection.
Teenagers should drive vehicles that offer state-of-the-art protection in case they are involved in an accident

• Don't let your teen drive a small vehicle.
Small vehicles offer much less protection in crashes than larger ones. However, this doesn't mean you should put your child in the largest vehicle you can find. Many mid- and full-size cars offer more than adequate crash protection. Check out the safety ratings for mid-size and larger cars.

• Avoid older vehicles.
Most of today's cars are better designed for crash protection than cars of six to ten years ago. For example, a newer, mid-size car with airbags would be a better choice than an older, larger car without airbags. Before you make a final choice on the car your teenager will drive, consult the U.S. Department of Transportation or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Posted by at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I just received my car registration renewal notice, and fortunately, this year I only have to drop my payment in the mail or go online. Last year though, I had a few special circumstances that didn’t afford me the luxury of an automated processes. In fact, like hundreds of people that day (and everyday for that matter), I had to go to the DMV and stand in the long lines and witness the amazingly irrational behavior from ill-prepared drivers who simply fail to follow instructions. It’s interesting how many people are still challenged with the concept of taking a number and waiting for their turn in line. All the jokes and clichés about the DMV are true — even today with all the technological progress we’ve made.

To their credit though, the DMV has certainly, made substantial technological progress, eliminating a person’s need to visit their local Motor Vehicles Department in person, for common task such as registration renewal. In fact, most State motor vehicle departments now offer online alternatives to otherwise time consuming tasks and ordeals.
Depending on your DMV’s website and policies, here’s a list of just some of the common things you may be able to do at your State’s website:

• Renew your vehicle’s registration
• Renew your driver’s license
• Manage your traffic citations online
• Order special license plates
• Check your registration information
• Learn about driving schools in your state
• Make appointments if you need to go in to your local Department

By the way, if you need to go into the DMV, I strongly encourage you to make an appointment. It will save you time! There can be a two week wait, so plan accordingly. For more information, you should read InsWeb’s helpful article: Don’t Stand In Line At Your State’s Department Of Motor Vehicles

Posted by at 9:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

From the perspective of law enforcement, road rage and aggressive driving involve speeding, aggressive acceleration, tailgating, and cutting-off other drivers. It’s common for aggressive drivers to use their horn excessively, flash their lights unnecessarily, use rude verbal and physical gestures, and even form lane convoys that block access. There is a difference between aggressive driving and road rage though: aggressive driving is a traffic offense while road rage is a criminal offense. According to the NHTSA, road rage is defined as "an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or an assault precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway.

Aggressive driving is a behavior that affects every type of driver, including society’s most normal and upstanding men and women. Some psychologists have suggested that certain drivers are more susceptible to losing their tempers behind the wheel than others. In fact, road rage can sometimes fall under the medical explanation of “Intermittent Explosive Disorder,” which affects millions of Americans.

Regardless of whether you are an aggressive driver, or an unfortunate victim in the proverbial cross-hairs of an aggressive driver, there are simple measures you can take to prevent an unfortunate event.

What to do if you’re an aggressive driver:

- Visualize what your behavior would look like in public — if you were not in your car.

- Be a cautious and courteous driver. Relax and let other motorists pass you, comfortably merge, and take the right-of-way.

- All drivers make mistakes; nevertheless, resist the urge to teach them a lesson. They'll learn it eventually without your help.

- Don't make inappropriate hand or facial gestures. Don’t feel like you have to give someone “the finger.”

- Lead by example. Drive the way you want other people to drive. This may mean having to swallow your pride and back away from aggression.

- Don’t be in a rush. Give yourself ample time to get to your destination and understand where you are driving to.

What to do if you’re the target of an aggressive driver:

- Get out of the way.

- Don’t make matters worse by triggering a confrontation. Avoid eye contact and steer clear, giving angry drivers plenty of room.

- Take an unintended turn or highway exit to get away from someone who may be targeting you.

- Try giving an "I'm sorry" wave of your hand (not to be confused with the middle finger).

- Report their license plate, their vehicle make, and the details of your interaction to the authorities immediately.

- Do not challenge them by speeding up or attempting to hold-your-own.

- If a driver continues to hassle you or you think you are being followed, drive on to the nearest police station or busy place to get help.

Posted by Inszo at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

The life insurance industry is also concerned about the country’s growing waistline, as the longevity and health impacts of extra weight affect the cost of insuring consumers. Wishing for all consumers to have long and healthy lives, life insurance carriers are rewarding weight loss through lower policy premiums. Fortunately, a significant amount of the overweight population is on the threshold of earning those lower premiums and saving hundreds of dollars — if they simply make minor lifestyle adjustments.

When determining life insurance policy costs, carriers use a simple formula: “The more a person weighs, the more they pay.” Specifically, the formula begins with an individual’s proportion of body weight to their height (known also as their “physical build”). It’s no secret that the more a person weighs in relation to their height, the greater their risk for long-term health complications and a shortened lifespan.

To understand the real word costs of extra pounds to an individual term life insurance consumer, the premiums explain the difference with a stark contrast. Using InsWeb’s online Term Life insurance quote form, we used a profile of typical term life insurance consumer to demonstrate.

Gender: Male
Age: 40
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 170 (According to the American Heart Association, his ideal weight is 170 pounds.)
Smoking: No
Existing Health Conditions: None
Notes: Looking to secure protection for his wife and two children, our sample profile is shopping for a $500,000 term life policy with a 20 year term length.

By gaining those “middle-age” 30 pounds, his monthly premium nearly doubles, costing him an extra $230 in a year. Shockingly, at 230 pounds — the size of many American men — he’s paying nearly three times the amount that his healthy self should be otherwise paying for term life insurance!

40 year old male (5'11), $500,000 policy with 20 year term length*

Weight Monthly* Annual* Over 20 Years* 170 $21.94 $263.28 $ 5,265.60 200 $41.13 $493.56 $ 9,871.20 230 $63.44 $761.28 $15,225.60

To be considered for preferred life insurance rates, it is important to keep your height to weight ratio at or near the ideal range for your body type. If you already have a term life insurance policy, and you have recently lost weight and kept it off, be sure to notify your carrier. If your carrier fails to reward you with lower rates, it may be time for you to shop around for a policy that will. Carriers use different health ratios to determine rates, therefore, shopping around may uncover potential savings and better coverage. At any time, you may request a medical examination to expedite the process. Your rates are locked in for the term of the policy, so the carrier cannot penalize you for any gained weight. If in fact, the medical examination determines that your health has improved, you should pursue lower rates.

Obesity is a serious problem for Americans, with causes that range from genetic predisposition and metabolism, to modern cultural and social pressures. Regardless of the cause, the fact still remains that too many Americans are overweight. Fortunately, many have the ability to overcome the challenge through simple dietary adjustments and lifestyles changes. Others require the direction of medical and nutritional experts for more serious health issues. At the finish line of a person’s weight loss goal, term life insurance carriers may reward you with substantially lower premiums.

* Quotes based on a composite of participating carriers, which have at least an A rating by A.M. Best. Rates effective as of 7/12/06

Posted by Inszo at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Identity theft insurance reimburses victims for the cost of restoring their identity and repairing the damage to their personal financial information (e.g. credit reports). Insurance reimbursement can include lost wages, administrative expenses such as phone bills, certified mailing and notary costs, and even attorney fees if necessary. Increasingly, insurance carriers are including identity theft insurance in their standard homeowners insurance policies; otherwise offering it as a stand alone policy or as an additional option to a homeowners or renters insurance policy. The Insurance Information Institute reports that these policies generally cost between $25 and $50 for $15,000 to $25,000 worth of coverage.

As with any insurance product, it is important to shop around for the best identity theft insurance product as rates and protection levels vary from company to company. When considering the appropriate policy deductible, consider the various costs associated with the crime. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, an independent non-profit organization, the average identity theft victim spends over $800 on administrative expenses alone (phone, postage, notary, etc.). This cost does not include the potential threat of lost wages, compromised work performance, and exasperated medical conditions. The average victim spends over 170 hours of their time repairing the damage to their personal financial information. This laborious and frustrating time can include removing negative marks on credit reports and reapplying for credit accounts and loans. Further compounding the nightmare, many of these stressful tasks can only be conducted during working/business hours.

Securing Identity Insurance is by no means a substitute for safeguarding your personal information. There are fundamental precautions that consumers should take to protect themselves.

- When it comes to your identity, simply do not give out your personal information, including bank account and credit card numbers.

- Check your credit report at least once a year. The three major credit bureaus include TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.

- When it comes to your ATM information, properly protect your account number, the security PIN number, and manage and dispose of all receipts appropriately.

- If you receive financial solicitations in the mail, tear them up into little pieces before you throw them in the trash. The same holds true for all financial documents!

- Identity thieves target mailboxes to obtain credit card offers and financial statements, therefore, make sure your mailbox is secure. It’s important that you promptly remove mail when it has been delivered.

If you ever suspect that your identity has been stolen, it is critical that you contact your bank and credit card companies immediately. These financial institutions should be able to help you with alerting the credit bureaus and directing you to the appropriate resources. You should protect your social security number by calling the Social Security Fraud Hotline at: 1-800-269-0271. A valuable source of information during this time is the FTC Identity Theft Hotline at: 1-877-IDTHEFT.

Posted by Inszo at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Recently I have been shopping around and doing some research on life insurance. Well, it’s just that I didn't really think I would need life insurance. After doing some research, it seems as though it's a good way for someone to protect their possession, assets and mortgage. There was a lot I learned that I didn't realize, like the many different types of life insurance that are available, which was really interesting.

I realized how inexpensive the premiums would be the earlier I buy a policy than if I wait until I get older. Checking around, different companies provide different types of coverage and prices so there are a lot of competition among companies. Also, there were a lot of articles about life insurance that I found really interesting and helpful. For now, I'm actually asking around about the pros and cons of life insurance and what I should do in my situation and what coverage amounts would be best.

I recommend reviewing InsWeb’s Top Ten Term Life Insurance Money Saving Tips For 2006

Posted by at 1:21 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

It was the early morning of November 15, 1998 and I woke to the sound of my intercom buzzer going off. I thought to myself, "who the heck is coming to see me at 5:00 AM?" I couldn't imagine who it could be. After, I heard the sirens and was awake enough to see all the flashing lights outside, I realized this must be serious. I opened the door to the condo that I was renting and smoke filled the hallway and a police officer yelled "get out, there's a fire!"

"WHAT??!! How could that be?" I thought to myself, I wasn't even dressed yet and there wasn't any smoke in my condo. He continued shouting this and I finally drove myself out of sleep mode and into panic mode. What did I need? Clean clothes, money, cell phone, car keys, address book, contact lens? Oh, and can't forget the cat! I collected all of this within seconds, and rushed out the front door, only to look back and see the roof engulfed in flames.

In total disbelief and still watching everything I owned going up in flames, I started making phone calls. I called my boss, because it was obvious I wasn't going to make it into work that day, and I called my parents. After all, I was going to need a place to stay. After ensuring my father I was ok, the first question he asked was "do you have Renters Insurance?" Good question! At that very moment, I had no clue whether or not I paid the bill. I couldn't remember, and I started praying to God that I had, because I was about to need it.

Well, after everything settled down, I did, indeed pay the bill and had Renters Insurance protection. Everything was covered and I received a hefty check for my losses; not that this compared to some of the items I lost and the dishevel of my life for several weeks after the fire. However, I had come to find out that one of my neighbors did not have Renters Insurance, and had a very valuable comic book collection. He was left with nothing.

In most cases, you can get Renters Insurance for a very reasonable price: an even smaller price to pay if something were to happen. Check out the InsWeb article “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow” and the “Frequently Asked Questions About Renters Insurance”. Or, you can go right to the quote process from here. If you’re a renter, or even a homeowner, please take my advice and get adequate insurance protection, you don't want to be in a situation like I was in and not have Renters Insurance.

Get Renters Insurance Quote

Posted by at 10:59 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

When I first began driving, I was probably like most teenagers that came before and after me, I had a feeling of invincibility behind the wheel. It is really difficult to explain, but a teenager behind the wheel of a vehicle for the first time is provided with a sense of freedom that most of us have never felt before. The story of my teenage driving saga goes like this:

• At age 15 ½, I began working and saving for a car
• A couple weeks before my 16th birthday I purchased a Ford Ranger
• On my 16th birthday, I went to the DMV, passed my test, and drove off with my license
• Within 3 months I had my first speeding ticket (85 mph in a 55 mph zone)
• Within 9 months I had 3 more tickets (left turn in a right turn only, rolling through a stop sign and 10 mph over the speed limit in a construction zone)
• By my 17th birthday I was back to riding my bike and relying on friends to get me around

The good news is that I didn’t hurt anyone during this time, but the lesson to me was clear, that although I was trying harder to be a safe driver, I was just too young and reckless to change my driving habits.

Like most teenage drivers, my parents added me to their auto insurance policy when I first started driving, and as an added bonus, they even paid for the premium! What I didn’t know was how my recklessness behind the wheel was going to impact them and their insurance. They had Farmers Insurance at the time, and after all this ensued, they were told by Farmers that their insurance premiums were going to skyrocket unless they excluded me as a driver on their policy. Needless to say, they excluded me from their policy, and it was years before I could ever drive one of their vehicles again.

By the time I got my license back, I was on my own for getting auto insurance, and back before the Internet and InsWeb, we used the phone book to find an insurance agent. After finding an agent that would insure me, I ended up spending over $200 a month (that I really couldn’t afford) for the most basic coverage I could get. All of this was just for the privilege of driving my truck on a daily basis.

Now you might think that the story ends there, but in fact there is one more chapter. While I did clean up my act and was able to refrain from getting tickets, it doesn’t mean that my judgment got that much better. When I was 18, I was driving home late one night, and fell asleep at the wheel. There was no alcohol or drugs involved, I was just driving too late at night, and I didn’t heed the warning signs that my body was telling me. I drove off of the road into a field and landed upside down in a foot of water. Luckily, I walked away from the incident, and no one else was injured. This time, my truck was totaled, and although I still had a license, I had nothing to drive. This time around, I spent an awful long time riding my bike and catching rides from my friends.

While you may not be able to prevent your teenage driver from making bad driving decisions (Lord knows I would have never listened to my parents), you can learn more about ways to promote safe driving with your teenage driver in the InsWeb special report “Teens Behind The Wheel”

Posted by at 10:08 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

The only problem is, I’m not 18 anymore, and my priorities have changed, to family, work, mortgage, gas prices, and sleep. In that order. And thanks to my great eating habits from my adolescents, I have this wonderful thing called “cholesterol” and “blood pressure,” which I’m now supposed to watch. Nah, not this guy, as long as you can fit into your elastic high school gym shorts you’re fine right? I wish! I learned this the hard way when I started to think about Life Insurance, and the needs of my family’s financial security if anything was ever to happen to me (like a clogged artery). So I decided to find out more.

I ended up going to www.insweb.com and finding a rate for Life Insurance. After my agent scheduled me for a medical evaluation, I discovered (much to my dismay) that my cholesterol was high. OK it was really high, which attributed to a higher premium than someone with normal cholesterol levels. But hey, the cholesterol levels of approximately a quarter of the adult population in this country are higher than normal according to the InsWeb article “How Improved Health Affects Your Life Insurance Rates”. In fact there were a lot of key factors I didn’t know about that effects how much money comes out of my wallet due to certain health factors, and what I could do to get a better rate. Once I knew what I was up against, I was determined to lower my cholesterol and my blood pressure. With 3 months of hard work I lost 20 pounds and significantly lowered my cholesterol and blood pressure. Here are some tips for lowering your cholesterol, your blood pressure, your weight and your Life Insurance premium that worked for me.

Lowering Your Cholesterol / Blood pressure

Eating healthful foods, like:• A variety of fruits and vegetables
• A variety of grain products like bread, cereal, rice and pasta, including whole grains
• Fat-free and low-fat milk products
• Lean meats and poultry without skin
• Fatty fish (enjoy at least 2 servings baked or grilled each week)
• Beans and peas
• Nuts and seeds in limited amounts
• Unsaturated vegetable oils like canola, corn, olive, safflower and soybean oils

Retain a healthy diet and lifestyle by:• Reducing salt and sodium in your diet
• Limiting alcohol intake (12 ounces of beer regular or light, amounts to 150 calories!)
• Quit smoking

Losing Weight by Exercising
• I do a 20 minutes of cardio workout at least three days a week, along with a healthy diet, this was very effective in shedding of the lb’s.

Also talk to your doctor about cholesterol lowering medication, there are a lot of options out there these days.

There are plenty of resources out there to leverage to help you get you healthy again, but don’t weight until the life insurance policy premium is looking you back in the face! Take the first step toward achieving a more healthy body that will grant you a longer life, and a cheaper Term Life insurance policy!

Posted by at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)