According to the article "Ohio DOI Unveils New Online Service for Ohio Agents" on insurancejournal.com, the Ohio Department of Insurance (DOI) announced that it will be providing a new online service that will help about 81,000 licensed Ohio insurance agents to keep track of their continuing education credit through the Internet.
Ohio resident insurance agents are able to log onto the Ohio DOI website to find their continuing education status, and find information about approved courses and other licensing opportunities and requirements.
Insurance companies can see the status of agents if they subscribe to the service as well. It's available 24 hours a day and the service makes it extremely convenient for agents to verify their information and keep track of their status and goals.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
State Farm Insurance Keeping Us Healthy
State Farm Insurance, which carries different forms of insurance, including auto insurance and health insurance, is giving the nation a weight loss challenge. The challenge is to lose 50 million pounds collectively according to the article “Insurance agency challenges Americans to lose weight” on wqow.com.
State Farm Insurance agent Bob Johnson points out that the healthier you are the less likely you are to see a doctor which will eventually affect your insurance rates. Living a healthy lifestyle leads to a longer, higher quality life in addition to health insurance savings.
Registration can be completed online and participants are able to track their progress and obtain tips on how to start a healthier life. State Farm Insurance is offering a health kit which includes a pedometer and an information pamphlet. You can also obtain a State Farm insurance quote online.
State Farm Insurance agent Bob Johnson points out that the healthier you are the less likely you are to see a doctor which will eventually affect your insurance rates. Living a healthy lifestyle leads to a longer, higher quality life in addition to health insurance savings.
Registration can be completed online and participants are able to track their progress and obtain tips on how to start a healthier life. State Farm Insurance is offering a health kit which includes a pedometer and an information pamphlet. You can also obtain a State Farm insurance quote online.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Auto Insurance Requirement for CARS Program
State Farm auto insurance is reminding everyone that the Federal Government’s Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS program or “Cash for Clunkers”) requires participants carry auto insurance for their trade-in according to the article by Tony Potts on Coos Valley News' website.
Last week the US Senate agreed to extend the CARS program until Labor Day offering a great opportunity for many auto owners to receive the tax benefit. By trading in an older, less fuel efficient car for a new one, you will receive a tax credit. Keep in mind though that there are requirements, one of which includes having auto insurance. Trade-ins must be registered and insured for the full year before you decide to trade it in.
This is a reminder of how important it is for all cars to be covered by auto insurance. Uninsured drivers are a risk to everyone on the road, and it is the law in most states. Get a State Farm insurance quote if you are not yet insured.
Last week the US Senate agreed to extend the CARS program until Labor Day offering a great opportunity for many auto owners to receive the tax benefit. By trading in an older, less fuel efficient car for a new one, you will receive a tax credit. Keep in mind though that there are requirements, one of which includes having auto insurance. Trade-ins must be registered and insured for the full year before you decide to trade it in.
This is a reminder of how important it is for all cars to be covered by auto insurance. Uninsured drivers are a risk to everyone on the road, and it is the law in most states. Get a State Farm insurance quote if you are not yet insured.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Auto Insurance and Clunkers for Cash
Many individuals are thinking about trading in their older cars for new, more fuel efficient cars to earn some extra money through the government’s tax benefit called CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System). Unfortunately, higher auto insurance rates may minimize the benefits of trading in an older car according to an article on insurance.com.
Buying a fuel efficient car is of course beneficial for our environment, but new cars often have higher auto insurance costs because they are pricier to fix and replace. You could end up offsetting the tax savings from the CARS program. One good thing is that fuel efficient cars do cut gas costs weekly right away so there are savings there, but auto insurance rates can cost you more money over time so shopping around is crucial. According to a study from women-drivers.com, only about 22% of drivers shopped for auto insurance before making a purchase of a policy. Auto insurance rates are currently relatively low, so shopping around is a good idea.
The CARS program is still a great initiative towards cleaning up our environment, but it may not benefit everyone. It's always important to do your homework when trading in or buying a new auto.
Buying a fuel efficient car is of course beneficial for our environment, but new cars often have higher auto insurance costs because they are pricier to fix and replace. You could end up offsetting the tax savings from the CARS program. One good thing is that fuel efficient cars do cut gas costs weekly right away so there are savings there, but auto insurance rates can cost you more money over time so shopping around is crucial. According to a study from women-drivers.com, only about 22% of drivers shopped for auto insurance before making a purchase of a policy. Auto insurance rates are currently relatively low, so shopping around is a good idea.
The CARS program is still a great initiative towards cleaning up our environment, but it may not benefit everyone. It's always important to do your homework when trading in or buying a new auto.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Health Insurance for Mexico Tourists Free of Charge
The story “Mexico Unveils New Travel Health Insurance Scheme to Win Back Tourists” by Karen Elowitt on petergreenberg.com explains the news that Mexico has made a bold move towards bringing back tourists. The Swine Flu has left an unwanted stigma on the country and its economy is at risk. Mexico will be setting up a new health insurance plan which will be available for tourists in the case of injury or illness with no charge.
The health insurance plan is called the “Tourist Assistance Card” which can be accessed by contacting a free phone number which connects tourists to a multi-lingual call center. There may be deductibles that apply and patients will need to get treatment from authorized hospitals part of the plan.
This health insurance is being offered by a private company named MAPFRE and can be used for any type of emergency from sprained ankles to the flu. They also will have additional assistance to those who have lost their travel documents or passports, or even if they just need advice on travel plans. It's unknown whether or not this health insurance offer will lure enough tourists back to Mexico and save the economy, but it’s a step in the right direction.
The health insurance plan is called the “Tourist Assistance Card” which can be accessed by contacting a free phone number which connects tourists to a multi-lingual call center. There may be deductibles that apply and patients will need to get treatment from authorized hospitals part of the plan.
This health insurance is being offered by a private company named MAPFRE and can be used for any type of emergency from sprained ankles to the flu. They also will have additional assistance to those who have lost their travel documents or passports, or even if they just need advice on travel plans. It's unknown whether or not this health insurance offer will lure enough tourists back to Mexico and save the economy, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Auto Insurance Companies and Repair Shops
The article “Shops debate the place of insurers in the repair process” by Brian Albright on SearchAutoParts.com talks about how car designs have become more complex and expensive which is causing more and more auto insurance companies to get involved in the auto repair process.
Issues sometimes arise between repairers and insurers as the insurance companies pressure shops to cut costs. The repair shops see this as meddling as they deal with their own financial pressures. Most repair shops prefer that the insurance company give a check and stay out of the repair process, but customers find a lot value in the insurance companies taking over. In addition, insurance companies want to keep the repair shop's prices down as much as possible to save themselves money.
Not all insurance companies are getting in the way of the repair shop's agenda. State Farm auto insurance is generally seen as cooperative according to the article. Recently, they have participated in programs striving for efficiencies in the repair business. While some repair shops see this as intrusive, others see it as a positive force. Gene Regan, general manager at Causeway Collision Center in Manahawkin, NJ believes it is a productive initiative for State Farm to get involved. He sees the program bringing the repair shops and insurance companies together to learn from each other and develop better business practices. This will ultimately benefit the mutual customers who both parties look to please.
Issues sometimes arise between repairers and insurers as the insurance companies pressure shops to cut costs. The repair shops see this as meddling as they deal with their own financial pressures. Most repair shops prefer that the insurance company give a check and stay out of the repair process, but customers find a lot value in the insurance companies taking over. In addition, insurance companies want to keep the repair shop's prices down as much as possible to save themselves money.
Not all insurance companies are getting in the way of the repair shop's agenda. State Farm auto insurance is generally seen as cooperative according to the article. Recently, they have participated in programs striving for efficiencies in the repair business. While some repair shops see this as intrusive, others see it as a positive force. Gene Regan, general manager at Causeway Collision Center in Manahawkin, NJ believes it is a productive initiative for State Farm to get involved. He sees the program bringing the repair shops and insurance companies together to learn from each other and develop better business practices. This will ultimately benefit the mutual customers who both parties look to please.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Health Insurance for College Athletes
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) started to require universities to ensure their athletes had health insurance coverage before competing in sporting events about four years ago. The mistake that was made was that the Association did not set clear standards for the insurance coverage leaving the athletes and their parents to decide for themselves what they should get. This is according to the article “College Athletes Stuck With the Bill After Injuries” by Kristina Peterson, NYtimes.com.
Some universities accept much of the responsibility for medical claims made by their athletes but others assume no responsibility according to a review of school public documents. Many university representatives say they clearly inform their students about the limits of various health insurance plans, but students and their families are still left frustrated and confused since many have had to take on large and unexpected medical bills due to lack of proper coverage.
Often times athletes have health insurance through their parents but the coverage does not always include injuries due to college varsity sports. This is where it gets complicated. Additional coverage is needed but the students are unsure where to shop and often do not get the proper coverage which can leave them with mountains of debt. One solution being discussed is to require universities to offer quality health insurance coverage to all of their athletes, but this most likely will put too much of a burden on colleges financially. If schools are going to suffer financially from this type of requirement the NCAA is unlikely to require a mandate anytime soon.
Some universities accept much of the responsibility for medical claims made by their athletes but others assume no responsibility according to a review of school public documents. Many university representatives say they clearly inform their students about the limits of various health insurance plans, but students and their families are still left frustrated and confused since many have had to take on large and unexpected medical bills due to lack of proper coverage.
Often times athletes have health insurance through their parents but the coverage does not always include injuries due to college varsity sports. This is where it gets complicated. Additional coverage is needed but the students are unsure where to shop and often do not get the proper coverage which can leave them with mountains of debt. One solution being discussed is to require universities to offer quality health insurance coverage to all of their athletes, but this most likely will put too much of a burden on colleges financially. If schools are going to suffer financially from this type of requirement the NCAA is unlikely to require a mandate anytime soon.
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