Tahu Sama Tahu - Insurance, Love it or hate it?

In the tragic aftermath of Katrina and other recent disasters too many Americans have found out too late that they did not have the insurance coverage that they thought. Most of us don't think to ask a lot of questions when we are buying a house. There are so many forms and so many different charges and fees. We forget to ask exactly what we are getting for the money we send them each month. It is only after something major has happened that we worry about what is covered and what we should have made sure was covered. Don't let this happen to you. We are being told that weather related damage is on the increase. That because of global warming we should expect more and more storms. It seems that each year theses major storms make it further and further inland as well. Places that once were considered safe from flooding are now in increasing danger. Get an insurance check up, it costs nothing and in the end can make a huge difference in how you are able to get on with your life after the unthinkable.

While you have insurance on your mind, here is another thought. If you have had the same automobile policy for more than 2 years it is most probable that you are paying a lot more than you need to. Have you moved? If you now commute less miles, that could save you money. Did you get out of the big city rat race, fled to the suburbs. Believe it or not, that can also save you money. Was there still a traffic ticket lingering from your past when you bought your current policy. That ticket may have now fallen from your record and that would certainly save you money. I do not mean to belittle your current insurance broker, but it is highly unlikely he will just one day call you out of the blue and offer you a lower rate. You need to be proactive and call him. Even better, shop around a bit, get quotes from several places. Maybe he will match it and if not you always have the option of changing companies. Have you bought a home since you got your current auto policy? Many companies will offer a discount if you get both policies from the same broker. The long and the short of it is this, Why pay more than you have to? You can save money but you have to do your homework. Why not start now?

Comedians have long joked about why they call something LIFE insurance when I wont pay until you are dead. I have a theory; I think they came up with the name because you have to pay it your whole life . All kidding aside this is something that merits a great deal of consideration. Many places will spout off old lines like 'you need 10 times your annual salary' or 'buy as much as you can afford'. Wonderful goals of course, but reality is many Americans can afford to have all the Life and Heath insurance that they should. So what are you to do? You might consider that as a minimum you should leave enough life insurance to cover your final expenses. And while no one really wants to face their own mortality, one of the best things you could do for your family is to get a Pre-Needs Policy from a local Funeral Home. This way when your family is in their worst hour there is one les stress for them to deal with.

Life, Health, Home and Auto; You really do need to be in good hands, your own. Take the time and take charge of your life, your situation and your future. Don't put it off.