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Top 10 Tips for Purchasing Car Insurance

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:01:40 +0000

Car insurance is an expensive investment that everyone who owns a car should have. Purchasing car insurance can be tricky and frustrating, especially when you are looking for the fair coverage at an affordable price. This article will assume a peer at 10 tips for buying auto insurance.

1. Individualized Coverage

There are many different things that auto insurance covers, however this needs to be individual or else you will be paying more than you need. Everyone should have high bodily injury liability coverage incase of an accident, this will keep you from getting sued and losing your gain assets. Researching what coverage types there are is a good idea to know what you’re getting.

2. Safer Cars = Cheaper Insurance

Have an AWD vehicle that has stability control and also has a 5 star crash test rating? This may aid you place money, there are many different policies for different vehicles; it would be wise to research quotes on a vehicle before you purchase it. Sporty, fast cars that have high horsepower and a turbo will make you end up shelling out more money for auto insurance than you would have expected.

3. Shop Around

There are many different insurance companies out there that will be willing to offer you the best deal they can to get your businesses. Compare and incompatibility!

4. Are a male under 25? Or a female under 18?

You should know you will be paying more for insurance as you are a liability to the insurance company. Unfair, I know however there are ways to save on this. Get a plan under a parent’s car insurance plan and have your car in their name to help save some money.

5. Safe Driver?

Are you the driver who has never gotten in an accident, or just a minor one? Chances are if you are a safe driver you will be offered a lower premium on your insurance; some car insurance companies will actually give you money befriend if you are not alive to in an accident in a given amount of time.

6. How mighty coverage do you really need?

Do you drive an extinct clunker, or do you drive the latest sports car? Chances are if you have a car that is conventional and not worth very much money you should forgo extra insurance plans; however if you have a sports car the extras would be worth it.

7. Defensive Driving Class

Defensive driving classes save on premiums, and also make you a safer driver. Remember to list suited grades, and any defensive driving classes on your application for auto insurance.

8. Choose the Lawful Company

Auto insurance companies are all different and will offer different rates depending on the individual. Make clear you research your options. Different companies will be better for different people; keep in mind if you do not travel much, or have a safe driving characterize one company may offer you a lower premium for your coverage.

9. Read the Fine Print!

Earn definite you know what you are getting when you purchase your auto insurance coverage; the fine print can mean the different between 100% coverage and going to court for an accident.

10. Make Insurance Companies Compete!

More often than not smaller insurance companies want your business and will do a lot to get it. Call different insurance agents and see if they will bargain for your business, you may get a hefty discount.

Sources:

www.edmonds.com

The Politics of Money and Greed

admin — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:53:46 +0000

As some of you may know, I’m very politically minded, and an avid reader of national and world news. I’ve a few bones to prefer in the last 60 days.

1. Obama’s rescinding of the “Mexico City Policy”

The “Mexico City Policy” was a global gag order that prevented any non-government organization that received Federal funds from practicing or promoting abortion as a form of family planning. Women’s rights organizations were upset that this policy was put into place because, hey, it affected women’s health. Lets not think about the millions of unborn children – their health is irrelevant. I mean, this pregnancy will make me look fat – that would really destroy my night life. Anyway, benefit on track. This policy was started by Reagan, rescinded by Clinton, reinstated by Bush, and rescinded by Obama. I had high hopes for Obama on social issues, but I suppose that hope was unfounded. Let’s hope that the economic side of things is handled a bit more precisely. Speaking of which….

2. The Bank Bailout

This was Bush’s baby, and mighty as I detest to say it, it was born with severe mental retardation. According to most analyst’s estimates, nearly 10% of all bailout funds given to banks were frail as bonuses to executives. We’re talking multi-million dollar lottery-winning, yacht-sailing, mansion-buying bonuses. Billions of dollars worth, and every nickel paid for by the American taxpayer. That, and the money that was spent on actual assets was mostly wasted, on $1000 trashcans and the like. The only real hope here is that these banks survive long enough for the government to fetch their money back. This was a real bust, and a giant crap being taken all over middle America.

3. The Octuplets

I just have one phrase for you here. WHO CARES? The timing of this news story was hilarious, because no sooner were we hearing about the billion dollars of bonuses (see above) that that record was quickly overshadowed by a octo-mom. So…between healthcare and welfare you’re talking a few million? Big whoop? This myth is a shell-game, meant to remove our eyes off the real offenders here. I mean, at least she created something that will be useful to society one day. Most people just abort their children, and you think taxpayer money doesn’t pay for that too (see rant #1)? Forget of course that the US has fallen below replenishment birthrates (2.2 per couple keeps it even, we were at 1.9 in 1996, and have been falling ever since). She’s no national hero, and yes there were some shady dealings surrounding the whole deal. But really….who cares? This is mostly a foci for people wealthy enough that they will never need welfare or ssi, so they have someone to rant at. Look on the bright side, she’s not a mexican, so she’s not “takin our jobs.” Give me a break.

4. The GOP governors who won’t take the money

Ok, this one is pretty recent – and it really gets me. I realize its in the GOP political agenda to be against stout government, and government spending equals government power. I get that, I really do. It was poor enough when the GOP pretty much objective stonewalled the Stimulus package. Do these people not read their history? My goodness, no wonder republicans are so against education spending….they must have really hated their high school History teacher! Doing nothing during an economic crisis is widely referred to as Hooverism, because the president at that time (the great depression) was Herbert Hoover. He was against any legislative relief to individuals or the states because he view it increased government power and made for bigger government. He believed that lassez-faire free market principles should be followed at all times in all situations, and let the chips fall where they may. Sound familiar? It should – most republicans argued for honest that through the whole Stimulus debate. Most historians agree that the Titanic Depression became so great and so depressing for just that reason. In any case – moving on.

The trusty beef I have now is that some GOP governors, whether to further a personal political agenda or to toe a party line, are stating that they will refuse some or all of the stimulus funds to the states. What? Not capture the money? Many of these states are in desperate need, people are out of work. In many states, the unemployment compensation agency for that state is in or near insolvency. Now I know these governors won’t be laid off, but I contemplate they should examine the need here. The governor of SC even went so far as to say that those unemployment funds specifically would be refused. So, lets look at the facts:

As of Dec. 2008, South Carolina had an unemployment rate of 8.7%. Since then, it has almost certainly risen. The highest ever rate was 10.2%, Feb 1983. This means the unemployment rate currently is the highest it has been in 15 to 20 years.

The taxpayers of South Carolina will peaceful pay their portion of the interest rate on the federal debt, which includes the stimulus package, regardless of whether or not they take the money.

Money the states refuse to take will likely be given to other states, not simply “refunded”. The Governator for California (GOP, by the way) even went so far as to region he would be more than happy to choose any funds that other states refuse. And I wholeheartedly agree. Maybe I should get myself the 51st state.

So truly, what purpose is being served by refusing the money? The following would happen:

The region is negatively affected, would receive no new local jobs from direct monetary influx – only indirectly from other states. When unemployment funds run out, the states will be forced to reduce or kill their benefits, which in turn causes more people to lose their homes, more jobs are lost due to less consumer spending, etc, etc.

The governor gets props within his party for staying true to party Philosophy, and if the stimulus fails spectularly (which, obtain no mistake, is what congressional republicans are hoping. otherwise, why would they sabotage themselves in the eyes of the american people by attemping to stop it? there is no other satisfactory political reason for it – and there always is a political reason for what politicians do.) they will score political points in the eyes of their constituents and the american people – stating that not only “we told you so”, but also that the stimulus and the national debt exacerbated the economic crisis. What better way to make the stimulus fail then to just not spend the money?

5. North Dakota defines personhood

This is a monumental occasion in American history in my opinion, and some of the best news I’ve heard in a long time. The North Dakota lower house decided 51 to 41 that personhood begins at conception – and with it coming all the humans rights that we born people be pleased. It smooth has to pass through the state senate, but if it does – it means people will have to ask the fetus if it wants to be murdered. I’m betting it remains peaceful, as it now has the right to with the 5th amendment.

The End. As a postscript however, I would like to state for the reader’s benefit that I am neither a democrat or republican. I have strong conservative leanings on most social issues (gay marriage, abortion, etc) and strong liberal leanings on economic issues. The exceptions to the aforementioned leanings include: I am liberal on the death penalty (this is strongly borne out by new testament teachings for you Christians out there, I refuse to live in the old testament under an old law – under which no one can be saved). I am “independent” on the immigration question (both parties completely fail at this put a question to, either on their motives or on their execution). I am independent on healthcare (republicans say if you’re poor or your employer doesn’t offer it….you’re screwed buddy. democrats say, hey I don’t care if you can afford your own insurance – don’t bother – we’ll make everyone else pay for it. Both policies fail.) Therefore I am non-partisan, I take all the excellent and leave the poor, regardless of what labels are placed upon them. I look at facts, from a wide array of news and media sources, as well as reference documents – leaving out the inflammatory talk radio and highly biased blogs. So should any free thinking, responsible person be.

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6 Tips to Find the Cheapest Car Insurance

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:41:44 +0000

It’s never fun shopping for car insurance. It’s one of life’s most plain chores, ranking right up there with ironing and unloading the dishwasher. Car insurance is expensive and can eat up a huge chunk of your budget if you don’t shop around for cheaper prices. Here are a few tips to find the cheapest car insurance.

Finding Cheap Car Insurance Tip #1: Quotes are free!
Whether you call an insurance agent or get an estimate online, car insurance quotes are always free. Several websites, including InsWeb.com offer features to compare insurance rates from different carriers. Getting a quote only takes a few minutes and best of all, it’s free.

Finding Cheap Car Insurance Tip #2: Call your current insurance agent:
Many times, if you mention you’re shopping around for cheaper car insurance rates, your current agent might be able to offer you a discount on your current policy. Insurance agents are more likely to do this if you have other policies (home, boat, etc) with the company.

Finding Cheap Car Insurance Tip #3: How high of a deductible are you willing to pay?
Your deductible can be the biggest factor in what you pay for car insurance. If you’re willing to pay a higher deductible in the event of an accident, you’ll pay less each time your car insurance is due. Likewise, if you want a low or no deductible, you’ll pay more. While you could go your entire life without an accident, it can happen at any time (and due to Murphy’s Law, it happens at the worst time possible!), so know what you can afford. It’s best to make sure you have the amount of your deductible in a savings account in the event of an accident. If that amount is not feasible, consider lowering your deductible.

Finding Cheap Car Insurance Tip #4: What’s the Blue Book value of your car?
By intelligent how noteworthy your car is worth and what type of theft risk your vehicle has, you’ll have a better understanding of how much to expect to pay for car insurance. It also will help thrawt any over-paying for insurance as well. This is also something to reflect about when purchasing a vehicle.

Finding Cheap Car Insurance Tip #5: Smart up your driving record
While you can’t change the past, you can take steps to improve the future, and that includes your driving record. If you have a stack of speeding tickets, DUI’s, or at-fault accidents, you’re simply not going to salvage cheap car insurance, period. Stay safe on the roads and you’ll be rewarded with cheap car insurance.

Finding Cheap Car Insurance Tip #6: Apply Discounts
Safe driver, student drivers, over 25 discounts, federal employee discounts, and more are available, so it’s worth it to ask any insurance agent you’re considering if any discounts apply to you.

Sure, shopping around for cheap car insurance isn’t fun. No one wants to spend their money on car insurance—we can all agree it’s much more fun to spend money on shoes or video games! But if you drive a car, you need car insurance–it’s the law. Hopefully these tips will give you a few ideas on how to find cheap car insurance.

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Homeowners Insurance Policy Investment Advice

admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:47:47 +0000

A home is likely to be the largest investment most families ever make so you want to utilize what ever is necessary to protect your family’s investment. Purchase enough coverage to avoid a major financial loss if you experience a catastrophic event. This means keeping realistic current value amounts of coverage on your house and contents. Home owners insurance comes in many different prices and configurations; it is important to get the insurance that fits. Flood and earthquake damages are not covered under standard homeowners insurance and must be purchased separately. The hurricane Katrina and Rita survivors discovered that hurricane coverage often excluded flood or storm surge damage even though that was caused by the hurricane winds. Be sure to understand the fine print and if you need to purchase a separate flood or water harm policy, it may be expensive but worth the cost. Premiums will cost widely different amounts in different areas of the country. While you want the best insurance possible you also want to hold the costs down. Follow these steps to get the best deals.

In the aftermath of the hurricane disaster on the Gulf Coast many home owners found their insurance to be inadequate. Sometimes that was due to misunderstanding the policies and sometimes due to insurance company chicanery. These issues will eventually be sorted out but in the meantime it has set the rest of us to thinking about how well covered we are in the event of an emergency. Some estimates of the number of underinsured homes say as many as three out of five are underinsured by around 20% to 25%. (Coolidge, C., 2006, A Good Policy, Forbes 2006 Investment Guide, Forbes Magazine, 60 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011)

1. A lesson learned from the victims of Hurricane Katrina is that it may be best to obtain separate coverage for wind, water, fire, or “environmental” harm. Try to be sure your policy includes incidental hurt after a disaster such as the mold caused by the heat and moisture after hurricanes on the Gulf Coast.

2. Review your new policy to make sure it is sufficient for the present value of your home. Home improvements (such as kitchen renovations or adding a deck) can add significant value to your dwelling but if you do not tell your insurance agent and adjust your insurance, it will not be covered.

3. Comparison shopping is the tool of choice for finding bargains in any purchasing area. Like any splendid thing this will take a bit of time and peril but the savings could be well worth it in the end. The way to go about comparison shopping for home insurance is to inaugurate with your situation insurance department. States often keep records of the frequency of customer complaints on different insurance companies and may be able to screech you what typical rates to expect. Always check with the Better Business Bureau and any other consumer information guides available to you. Research the financial stability of the insurance company on www.standardandpoors.com or at www.ambest.com in addition to checking the status of the company at your State Insurance Commissioner’s office.

4. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums. Deductibles are the amount of money you pay for any damages to your home before the insurance kicks in. Deductibles can be negotiated but most insurance companies recommend a $500 dollar deductible. The higher amount you negotiate to pay for deductibles the lower the premiums you pay for your insurance will be. If you can afford to pay out of pocket costs of $1000 dollars or more you may be able to reduce your premium payments by as much as 25%. If you live in an site that repeatedly sees certain types of natural disasters your insurance policy may have different deductible amounts for damages caused by different kinds of events.

5. Get all your insurance policies from the same company. Companies who sell car insurance often sell home owners insurance as well. It can do you as much as 15% of your premium cost to get your home owners policy from the same company that insures your car. Read the policy carefully and make comparisons because this is not always true. Look at the total cost of separate policies or separate insurance companies. Then compare the total separate costs with the cost of a combined policy.

6. Maintain your credit. Insurance companies may increase the cost of your insurance if your credit rating is not genuine. Check your credit ratings often to make clear it has not been compromised by identity theft. Keep your bills paid and your credit to earnings ratio low.

7. Update your policy limits on contents of your home. You should review this section of the policy every year. You want a policy that pays bulky replacement costs not just the depreciated value of appliances, clothing and furniture. The difference between “actual cash value” and “replacement cost” can be enormous. To net plump coverage for valuables you need appraisals on collectibles, artwork, jewelry and antiques. You need to retain receipts and a full inventory. It helps to have pictures and/or a video record of a home’s contents. The documentation of personal belongings should be kept in a separate and safe location.

8. Longevity counts with insurance companies. If you have been with your current insurance company for many years it is best to stay with them. If another insurance company offers what seems to be an unbeatable deal you can talk to your current insurer to see if they can meet or beat the offer. Most insurance companies offer discounts for longevity; as much as 10% if you have been with them continuously for more than six years.

9. Update all the safety features in your home including the fire alarms and the burglar protection systems. Install deadbolts and window locks and consider alarm systems that alert the local police and fire departments to emergencies at your home. You can usually get insurance discounts for installing good fire and burglar alarm protection systems. Update plumbing and wiring if your home is more than twenty years old.

10. Consider the area you live in for special disaster related insurance. Flood, fire and earthquake insurance all cost varying amounts depending on where you live. If you live in a heavily forested area you can lower your premium by establishing a fire protection zone around your home and using tile or metal roofing. In earthquake prone areas your insurance will be much less if you have a stick built house instead of brick. In California earthquake insurance information can be obtained at (www.earthquakeauthority.com). In hurricane prone areas bring your home up to current hurricane codes to lower risk and insurance costs. Install hurricane shutters and reinforce roofing to withstand hurricane force winds. If you live in a flood prone area you may want to contact FEMA for information on flood insurance. (www.fema.gov/nfip).

11. Keep the cost of land separate from the replacement cost of the house and contents. The land is permanent and except for those areas where slides or erosion might drop you into the nearest river or the ocean you should not include the cost of the land itself in the value estimate of your home.

A good insurance policy will pay for replacement or repair costs as specified in the policy; but to guard against increases in construction costs due to inflation or material shortages after a peril you may want to get extra protection specifically to cover them. Extra coverage will include a surcharge on the premium of 10% to 15% but if you live in hurricane or earthquake zones it may be worth the extra charge.

Acquire a policy from a company with the insurance grade of “A” from www.ambest.com . The risk of getting a policy from a company that is not highly rated is not worth the possible premium savings. Allstate, MetLife Auto and Home, Dwelling Farm, Chubb, Liberty Mutual, Hartford, USAA and Travelers all are rated “A” or better and are the largest sellers of homeowners insurance.

Additional information may be obtained from:

Insurance Information Institute
110 William Street
New York, NY 10038

(212) 346-5500
(www.iii.org) or (www.insurance.info)

State Insurance Regulators:

Alabama
201 Monroe St., Suite 1700
PO Box 303351
Montgomery, AL 36104
334-269-3550
Fax: 334-241-4192
E-mail: insdept@insurance.site.al.us
www.aldoi.org

Alaska
Division of Insurance
Department of Commerce, Community aand Economic Development
Robert B. Atwood Building
550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1560
Anchorage, AK 995013567
907-269-7900
TDD: 907-465-5437
Fax: 907-269-7910
E-mail: www.dced.state.ak.us/insurance
Division of Insurance
Department of Commerce, Community aand Economic Development
PO Box 110805
Juneau, AK 99811-0805
907-465-2515
TDD/TTY: 907-465-5437
Fax: 907-465-3422
E-mail: www.commerce.state.ak.us/insurance/

Arizona
Department of Insurance
2910 North 44th St., Suite 210
Phoenix, AZ 85018-7256
602-912-8444
Toll free in AZ: 1-800-325-2548
Fax: 602-954-7008 (Complaints)
E-mail: consumers@id.state.az.us
www.id.state.az.us

Arkansas
Department of Insurance
1200 West 3rd St.
Little Rock, AR 72201-1904
501-371-2600
501-371-2640 (Consumer Services)
Toll free in AR: 1-800-282-9134
Toll free: 1-800-852-5494
Fax: 501-371-2618
E-mail: www.arkansas.gov/insurance

California
Department of Insurance
300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1500
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-492-3500
415-538-4010 (San Francisco}
213-897-8921 (Los Angeles)
Toll free in CA: 1-800-927-4357
Fax: 916-445-5280
www.insurance.ca.gov
Dept. of Managed Health Care, California HMO Help Center
(We serve all California Consumers that are enrolled in a California HMO, Blue Cross of California PPO, and Blue Shield of California PPO)
980 Ninth Street, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95814-2738
1-888-HMO-2219 (HMO Health Center Consumer Complaint Line)
1-877-525-1295 (HMO Befriend Center Provider/Physician Line)
1-877-688-9891
Fax: 916-229-0465 (Conplaints) or (916) 229-4328 (Independent Medical Review)
E-mail: GenInfo@dmhc.ca.gov
www.hmohelp.ca.gov

Colorado
Division of Insurance
1560 Broadway, Suite 850
Denver, CO 80202
303-894-7490 or 7499
Toll free in CO: 1-800-930-3745
TDD/TTY: 303-894-7880
Fax: 303-894-7455
www.dora.position.co.us/Insurance

Connecticut
Department of Insurance
Consumer Affairs Dept.
PO Box 816
Hartford, CT 06142-0816
860-297-3900
Toll free: 1-800-203-3447
Fax: 203-297-3872
www.state.ct.us/cid

Delaware
Department of Insurance
841 Silver Lake Blvd.
Dover, DE 19904
302-739-4251
Toll free in DE: 1-800-282-8611
Fax: Fax: 302-739-6278
E-mail: consumer@deins.state.de.us
www.area.de.us/inscom

District of Columbia
Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking
810 First St., NE, Suite 701
Washington, DC 20002
202-727-8000
Fax: 202-535-1196
E-mail: info.disb@dcgov.org
disb.dc.gov

Florida
Office of Insurance Regulation
Department of Financial Services
200 East Gaines St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0300
(850) 413-3100
Toll free in FL: 1-800-342-2762
TDD: 850-410-9700
Fax: 850-488-2349
www.fldfs.com

Georgia
Insurance and Fire Safety
Two Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-2070
Toll free in GA: 1-800-656-2298
TDD/TTY: 404-656-4031
Fax: 404-657-8542
www.inscomm.state.ga.us

Hawaii
Insurance Division
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 3614
Honolulu, HI 96811-3614
808-586-2790 or 2799
Fax: 808-586-2806
E-mail: insurance@dcca.hawaii.gov
www.hawaii.gov/dcca/ins

Idaho
Department of Insurance
700 West Place St.
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0043
208-334-4250
Toll free in ID: 1-800-721-3272
Fax: 208-334-4398
www.doi.state.id.us

Illinois
Division of Insurance
Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
100 West Randolph St., Suite 5-570
Chicago, IL 606013395
312-814-2420
TDD: 312/814-2603
Fax: Fax: 312-14-5435
E-mail: Director@ins.state.il.us
www.state.il.us/ins
Division of Insurance
Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington St.
Springfield, IL 62767
217-782-4515
Toll free: 1-877-527-9431 (Office of Consumer Health Insurance)
TDD: 217-524-4872
Fax: 217-782-5020
E-mail: director@ins.state.il.us
www.idfpr.com

Indiana
Department of Insurance
311 W. Washington St., Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2787
317-232-2385
Toll free in IN: 1-800-622-4461
Toll free: 1-800-452-4800 (in-state senior health insurance information)
Fax: 317-232-5251
www.state.in.us/idoi/

Iowa
Division of Insurance
330 Maple St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-281-5705
Fax: 515-281-3059
www.iid.state.ia.us

Kansas
Insurance Division
420 SW 9th St.
Topeka, KS 66612-1678
785-296-7801
Toll free in KS: 1-800-432-2484
TDD/TTY toll free 1-877-235-3151
Fax: 785-296-2283
E-mail: commissione4r@ksinsurance.org
www.ksinsurance.org

Kentucky
Office of Insurance
215 West Main St.
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-564-3630
Toll free: 1-800-595-6053
Fax: 502-564-1650
doi.ppr.ky.gov

Louisiana
Department of Insurance
1702 N. Third St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225-342-0895
225-342-5900
Toll free: 1-800-259-5300
Toll free:1-800-259-5301
Fax: 254-342-3078
www.ldi.state.la.us

Maine
Bureau of Insurance
34 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
207-624-8475
Toll free in ME: 1-800-300-5000
TDD: 207-624-8563
Fax: 207-624-8599
www.maineinsurancereg.org

Maryland
Insurance Administration
525 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 212022272
410-468-2000
Toll free: 1-800-492-6116
TTY toll free: 1-800-735-2258
Fax: 410-468-2020
www.mdinsurance.state.md.us

Massachusetts
Division of Insurance
Consumer Service Section
One South Plot, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
617-521-7777
TDD: 617-521-7490
Fax: 617-521-7575
www.state.ma.us/doi

Michigan
Office of Financial and Insurance Services
611 West Ottawa St., 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 30220
Lansing, MI 48933
517-373-0220
Toll free: 1-877-999-6442
Fax: 517-335-4978
www.michigan.gov/ofis

Minnesota
Department of Commerce
Market Assurance Division
85 7th Place East
St. Paul, MN 55101
651-296-2488
Toll free in MN: 1-800-657-3602
Fax: 651-296-4328
E-mail: www.commerce.state.mn.us

Mississippi
Department of Insurance
PO Box 79
Jackson, MS 39205
601-359-3569
Toll free in MS: 1-800-562-2957
Fax: 601-359-1077
E-mail: consumer@mid.spot.ms.us
www.doi.state.ms.us

Missouri
Missouri Department of Insurance
PO Box 690
301 West High St., Room 530
Jefferson City, MO 651020690
573-751-4126
Toll free in MO: 1-800-726-7390
TDD/TTY: 573-526-4536
Fax: 573-751-1165
www.insurance.state.mo.us

Montana
Department of Insurance
840 Helena Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
406-444-2040
Toll free in MT: 1-800-332-6148
Fax: 406-444-3497
www.state.mt.us/sao

Nebraska
Department of Insurance
Terminal Building
941 “O” St., Suite 400
Lincoln, NE 685083639
402-471-2201
Toll free in NE: 1-877-564-7323
TDD toll free: 1-800-833-7351
Fax: Fax: 402-471-6559
www.nol.org/home/NDOI

Nevada
Division of Insurance
Department of Business & Industry
788 Fairview Drive, Suite 300
Carson City, NV 89701
775-687-7650
Fax: Fax: 775-687-3937
E-mail: insinfo@doi.state.nv.us
www.doi.set.nv.us/
Division of Insurance
Department of Business & Industry
2501 East Sahara Ave, Suite 302
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 486-4009
Fax: Fax: 702-486-4007
www.doi.state.nv.us/

New Hampshire
Department of Insurance
21 South Fruit St., Suite 14
Concord, NH 03301-2430
603-271-2261
Toll free in NH: 1-800-852-3416
TDD/TTY toll free in NH: 1-800-735-2964
Fax: 603-271-0248
E-mail: requests@ins.state.nh.us
www.nh.gov/insurance

New Jersey
Department of Banking and Insurance
20 West State St.
P.O. Box 325
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-633-7667
Fax: 609-292-5571
www.njdobi.org

New Mexico
Department of Insurance
P.O. Box 1269
Santa Fe, NM 87504-1269
505-827-4601
Toll free in NM: 1-800-947-4722
Fax: 505-827-4734
www.nmprc.space.nm.us

Novel York
Consumer Services Bureau
Insurance Department
One Commerce Plaza
Albany, NY 12257
518-474-6600
Toll free: 1-800-342-3736
Fax: 518-474-6630
www.ins.state.ny.us
Consumer Services Bureau
Insurance Department
65 Court St. #7
Buffalo, NY 14202
716-847-7618
Toll free in NY: 1-800-342-3736
Fax: 716-847-7925
www.ins.state.ny.us

North Carolina
Department of Insurance
Dobbs Bldg., 430 North Salisbury St.
1201 Mail Service Cetner
Raleigh, NC 27699-1201
919-733-7349
Toll free: 1-800-546-5664
Toll free:1-800-662-7777
Fax: 919-733-0085
E-mail: consumer@ncdoi.net
www.ncdoi.com

North Dakota
Insurance Department
600 East Boulevard Ave.
5th Floor
Bismarck, ND 58505
701-328-2440
Toll free in ND: 1-800-247-0560
TDD/TTY toll free: 1-800-366-6888
Fax: 701-328-4880
E-mail: insurance@state.nd.us
www.state.nd.us/ndins

Ohio
Office of Consumer Services
Department of Insurance
2100 Stella Court
Columbus, OH 43215-1067
614-644-3378
Toll free: 1-800-686-1526 (consumer hotline)
Toll free:1-800-686-1527 (fraud hotline)
Toll free:1-800-686-1578 (senior hotline)
TDD/TTY: 614-644-3745
Fax: 614-387-1302
E-mail: nancy.colley@ins.state.oh.us
www.ohioinsurance.gov

Oklahoma
Insurance Department
2401 N. W. 23rd St., Suite 28
PO Box 53408
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-3408
405-521-2828
Toll free in OK: 1-800-522-0071
Fax: 405-521-6635
E-mail: okinsdpt@telepath.com
www.oid.region.ok.us

Oregon
Insurance Division
350 Winter St., NE, Room 440-2
P.O. Box 14480
Salem, OR 97310-3883
503-947-7984
Toll free in OR: 1-888-877-4894
Fax: 503-378-4351
E-mail: dcbs.insmail@state.or.us
insurance.oregon.gov

Pennsylvania
Bureau of Consumer Service
Insurance Department
1321 Strawberry Square
13th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120
717-787-2317
Toll free: 1-877-881-6388
Fax: 717-787-8585
www.insurance.state.pa.us

Puerto Rico
Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
Call Box 8330
Fernandez Juncos Station
Santurce, PR 00910-8330
787-722-8686
787-721-5848
Fax: 787-722-4402
www.ocs.gobierno.pr

Rhode Island
Insurance Division
Department of Business Regulation
233 Richmond St., Suite 233
Providence, RI 02903-4233
401-222-2223
TDD: 401-222-2999
Fax: 401-222-5475
www.dbr.state.ri.us

South Carolina
Consumer Services
Department of Insurance
300 Arbor Lake Drive, Suite 1200
P.O. Box 100105
Columbia, SC 29202
803-737-6180
Toll free in SC: 1-800-768-3467
Fax: 803-737-6231
E-mail: CnsmMail@doi.site.sc.us
www.doi.state.sc.us

South Dakota
Division of Insurance
Department of Revenue and Regulation
445 East Capital
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-3563
Fax: 605-773-5369
www.state.sd.us/drr

Tennessee
Department of Commerce and Insurance
500 James Robertson Pkwy.
5th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-0565
615-741-2241
Toll free in TN: 1-800-342-4029
Fax: 615-532-6934
www.spot.tn.us/commerce

Texas
Department of Insurance
333 Guadalupe St.
P.O. Box 149104
Austin, TX 78614-9104
512-463-6169
Toll free in TX: 1-800-252-3439 (consumer help line)
Fax: 512-475-2005
E-mail: rbordelon@opic.state.tx.us
www.tdi.state.tx.us

Utah
Department of Insurance
State Office Bldg., Room 3110
Salt Lake City, UT 841146901
801-538-3805
Toll free in UT: 1-800-439-3805
TDD: 801-538-3826
Fax: 801-538-3829
www.insurance.state.ut.us

Vermont
Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration
89 Main St., Drawer 20
Montpelier, VT 05620-3101
802-828-3302
Toll free in VT: 1-800-964-1784
Toll free in VT: 1-800-631-7788 (Health Insurance)
Fax: 802-828-3306
www.bishca.state.vt.us

Virgin Islands
Divison of Banking and Insurance
Kongen’s Gade #18
St. Thomas, VI 00802
340-774-7166
Fax: 340-774-9458
E-mail: vidoi001@aol.com

Virginia
Bureau of Insurance
State Corporation Commission
PO Box 1157
1300 East Main St. (23219) (only for special delivery and walk-ins)
Richmond, VA 23218
804-371-9967
Toll free in VA: 1-800-552-7945
TDD: 804-371-9206
E-mail: www.state.va.us/scc

Washington
Office of the Commssioner of Insurance
Insurance 5000 Building
P.O. Box 40255
Olympia, WA 98504-0255
360-725-7103
Toll free in WA: 1-800-562-6900
TDD: 360-586-0241
Fax: 360-586-3109
E-mail: mikek@olc-wa-gov
www.insurance.wa.gov

West Virginia
Department of Insurance
1124 Smith St. (25301)
P.O. Box 50540
Charleston, WV 25305-0540
304-558-3354
Toll free in WV: 1-888-TRY-WVIC (888-879-9842)
Fax: 304-558-0412
E-mail: wvins@wvinsurance.gov
www.wvinsurance.gov

Wisconsin
Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
125 S. Webster St. (53702)
P.O. Box 7873
Madison, WI 53707-7873
608-266-0103
Toll free in WI: 1-800-236-8517
Dial 711 and ask for 608-266-3586
Fax: 608-266-9935
E-mail: information@oci.plot.wi.us
oci.wi.gov

Wyoming
Department of Insurance
Herschler Bldg.,122 West 25th St.
3rd Floor East
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0440
307-777-7401
Toll free in WY: 1-800-438-5768
Fax: 307-777-5895
E-mail: wyinsdep@state.wy.us
insurance.state.wy.us/

Cost of Home Health Care

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:52:10 +0000

The cost of home health care warrants proactive planning and should be weighed against your budget and other anticipated expenses. For a home health aide to visit honest 3 times a week to provide in home care, you may have to pay nearly $18,000 a year. It is wise then, to fully understand what is involved in contracting home health services and how it impacts your finances.

To get a beefy picture of what to examine when engaging a home health care provider, determine the cost your home health services, the public programs for which you are eligible, what payments these programs cover and what private funding options are available. This will greatly simplify identifying what option best meets your budget and in home care needs.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, in 2008, the average cost of hiring a home health care provider in United States is $29 an hour. The cost may vary depending upon where you live, however. Those in Los Angeles, may have to pay $29/hour for a home health aide, but those in San Jose, may need to pay $50/hour for the same in home care.

The table below shows average hourly rates of home healthcare services state-wise.
Average state hourly home health aide rates in USD ($)
(Source: 2008 Cost of Care Examine, Genworth Financial, March 2008 )
Alabama 46.00
Alaska 49.00
Arizona 29.00
Arkansas 21.00
California 36.00
Colorado 27.00
Connecticut 25.00
Delaware 31.00
District of Columbia 20.00
Florida 20.00
Georgia 42.00
Hawaii 32.00
Idaho 25.00
Illinois 30.00
Indiana 21.00
Iowa 28.00
Kansas 22.00
Kentucky 16.00
Louisiana 41.00
Maine 38.00
Massachusetts 28.00
Michigan 26.00
Minnesota 26.00
Mississippi 44.00
Missouri 25.00
Montana 23.00
Nebraska 23.00
Nevada 37.00
New Hampshire 32.00
New Jersey 26.00
New Mexico 23.00
New York 25.00
North Carolina 28.00
North Dakota 24.00
Oklahoma 29.00
Oregon 33.00
Pennsylvania 24.00
Rhode Island 22.00
South Carolina 29.00
South Dakota 20.00
Tennessee 30.00
Texas 28.00
Utah 24.00
Vermont 24.00
Virginia 25.00
Washington 45.00
West Virginia 32.00
Wisconsin 25.00
Wyoming 24.00

What you should know before hiring a caregiver:
• Medicare does not pay for personal care or custodial care only. It only pays for piece time or intermittent skilled nursing care prescribed by a doctor and provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency.
• Medicaid pays for home healthcare, but some states may limit certain services.
• Private insurance may or may not cover home health care.
•
To meet your requirements for in home care while remaining mindful of your finances, be certain to understand all options first.