A lot of public attention has been given recently gold, especially given the current devaluation of the dollar and the skyrocketing price of this precious metal. However, gold coins are not the only ones that have lasting value and can be used as an investment or hedge against inflation. Here are some tips for using coin collecting as an investment.

- If gold is your main attraction, the coins are not always the best choice

If your primary interest is to use gold as an investment, experts agree that bullion coins are the way to go. Pre-1933 coins are the optimum, although there are others that are valuable as well. Many experts strongly prefer gold bullion stored in a pooled account, both for the sake of value and for security reasons. You can keep the gold coins in a safe if you like the security of having your investment in the vicinity in liquid form, but keeping the gold coins that are truly valuable in the house is a real risk of theft.

- Numismatic Coins

Numismatic coins are valuable for their rarity, date of issue, condition, etc. Many collectors prefer to collect this kind of money because their resale value is dependent on several factors, purity and simple to find them is a real challenge!

- What to do first

Spend much time learning about coin collecting as an investment and coins in general. There are many excellent books on the market towards this end. You can learn a lot about where to find reliable sources for coins, operating in the money market, and protect yourself against fraud. You will also learn about improvement and other factors that make a valuable coin.

- Network

Affiliate yourself with the groups collecting coins near you that can offer great advice and connect with the right people. You’ll want to get your coin collection supplies from a reputable company that will provide you with everything you need to adequately protect your investment.

Collecting coins as an investment is a great hobby that can also prove profitable: just make sure you educate yourself first.

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The common and most popular insurance are home, auto and mortgage. There are also lesser known types of cover such as universal-life, variable universal-life and umbrella among others.

Universal-life cover is the same as whole life where a person contributes premiums and names a death benefit. This however is different from whole life in the sense that, a person can choose to change the rate of premiums and also rename a beneficiary. This policy puts up a cash value whereby a person contributing premiums can withdraw an excess amount of money later for personal use.

Variable-life is one unique type of insurance. Part of the policy is put into investment and this can be a good or a bad thing depending with the economy. If the investment increases, the death benefit will also increase but if there’s a loss in investments, the death benefit will decrease consistently.

Variable universal-life is a combination of variable and universal life insurance. A person has the right to change the amount of premium contributed each month and rename the beneficiary. This policy allows the company to use part of the contribution in investments and the same profit and loss sharing applies as in variable life.

With term life, a person can purchase cover for a short period of time for example from 1-30 years. This policy does not build up a cash value and because it is temporary; it is cheaper than permanent policy.

Umbrella cover is not popular among many individuals or companies. This all areas that other cover policies do not cover. Auto cover and home cover risks that can be investigated.

Umbrella insurance covers all what cannot be expected after home and auto cover have failed. The premiums for this cover are paid yearly and this is in addition to the other cover: auto and home cover. An example where umbrella insurance will benefit a person is when there has been a car accident and the court has ruled in favor of the other driver. This means that the driver who has to compensate for the accident needs to pay a lot of money and using the auto insurance cannot add up to the required value. The extra cash for paying the full compensation will come from umbrella insurance. A car that has been insured against collision alone will not benefit from insurance if a tree or people damage the car while rioting. The umbrella insurance will cover all these risks and including theft.

When a home insurance company cannot cover the loss incurred in a house, umbrella insurance will cover whatever losses have occurred. The normal house policies cover against risks such as fire, theft and natural calamities. If the house is destroyed by termites or poor foundation, the umbrella insurance is there to cover all the losses. Limits in auto or home insurance make an insurance cover very specific while umbrella insurance covers anything that can cause damage to property.

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Almost every state in US calls for the need of an authentic insurance coverage, while you intend to drive the vehicle, whether it is a car, or any SUV. The general aspects of Insurance Coverage include:

-Liability Cover against Bodily Injury. If a car driver knowingly or unknowingly hits any pedestrian, or any other person in any other vehicle, the injured person can sue the driver to recover medical and rehabilitation expenses and any damages thereof. The insurance coverage offers $15,000 to $30,000.One person injured paids upv to $15,000. Per accident is up to $30,000.

-Liability against Property damage. If damage to property is done in an accident, then, the driver is liable to pay the property owner certain amount as written in the Insurance coverage. Many states provide $5,000 worth of Insurance Coverage, whereas, some of the standard policies also dispense higher insurance coverage ,but is limited to $25,000.

-Coverage for Medical Reimbursement. Irrespective of who’s caused the accident, or who was at fault, the medical benefits covered under the auto insurance policy offers facility to both the car driver, as well as injured to get their injuries treated. Generally, in many states, a car owner buys $5,000 of medical auto insurance coverage. However, in many of typical cases, a car owner can also purchase medical auto insurance coverage worth $ 10,000. No deductibles are charged on this insurance coverage.

Still there are many other types of auto insurance coverage, which though not required, are otherwise necessary. These include:

-Coverage against Collision Damage. This coverage entitles the car owner to repair any kind of damage caused in the accident. It is a no-fault coverage. Usually, the auto insurance provider will provide you with a $500 deductible, if not, you have specified the amount. Remember, Higher your deductibles, lower would be the premium amount.

-Coverage against Thefts and Other Hazards. This car insurance coverage would provide you safeguard against any kind of car theft, or hazards such as fire, flood, vandalism, or animal collision. The best thing of the coverage is that you decide your own deductible.

-Coverage against Uninsured/Under-insured Motorist. If a pedestrian is hit by a car driver who is not insured or the insurance amount is not sufficient enough to cover the damage costs, in such an event, the coverage proves very useful. Under the coverage, the injured person would also be entitled to reimburse medical bills, lost wages, besides, trauma.

Optional Car Insurance Coverage also includes:

-Extrinsic Medical Coverage — This coverage provides $1 million insurance, and is utilized if the medical and rehabilitation expenses surpasses insurance policy.

-Loss in Income – This coverage entitles the insurer an amount equivalent to take-home pay, in case you are rendered unfit as the result of accident. This coverage is over and above disability insurance coverage will take over.

-Funeral Coverage — Maximum limit of $2,500, in case car owner or any of family member expires as the result of car accident. The cost the coverage is about 50 cents
per $1500 worth of insurance.

-Coverage for Rental Car Replacement — A minimum amount is allocated on daily basis, should your automobile is under repair as the result of accident.

-Coverage for towing and other labor costs — The coverage costs at less than $5 a year.This for if you break down as a result of a flat tire(s), out of gas, or your car needs a jump start, or most anything that may occur.

The way insurance has changed

Auto insurance coverage is a significant aspect of your vehicle. It offers complete security to you, your family and your beloved vehicle. The insurance policies across country keep changing with times. Prior to 1980s, the common question which car buyers often asked to themselves was — Is the car affordable for me? But things changed marvelously after 1980s, and the question has transformed into — Can I afford the car, and on it, will I be able to afford auto insurance?

The auto insurance companies decide which car insurance policy is to be sent, and to whom. Remember! Every car insurance policy differs from the other and this difference is the result of thought process of auto insurance company.

As per the statistics collected and analyzed by auto insurance experts, on an average a household in US spends $7,500 over a 10-year period in auto insurance alone, and out of which, he or she claims approximately $500.00.One begins to wonder.

Different modifications and changes are making the headway in a car insurance market, and which can further affect you in any of the following three ways:

-The nature of sale of auto insurance is changing with times. Earlier, an insurance agent, working under an individual or a stand alone company or a conglomeration used to dispense the insurance policy. It was only during the early 1990s, that insurance companies started to dispense the policies directly to auto insurance holder. An insurance agent, on the other hand would charge 15 percent commission upright, and another 12 to 15 percent commission on renewal. The insurance commission was utilized by many other insurers in buying extra insurance coverage.

-Many states in US often change and regulate the sale and use of auto insurance deals. Every state appoints insurance regulators to keep a close watch on auto insurance coverage, based on two factors namely, rate setting and claims disbursement., the auto insurance companies have built up the reputation of not even dispense legitimate insurance claims, and this has resulted in wide amount of distress among the consumers. It is also felt and observed by insurance commissioners of different states that most common complaints concerning the auto insurance is claim handling.

-In generic sense, the very scope and role of auto insurance is undergoing massive changes. As people are accumulating wealth, they have more reasons to protect their virtues than any thing else.

Why do you need car insurance?

Auto insurance is the need of every car owner. The law clearly states that every car owner should insure his or her vehicle under car insurance, specifically related to liabilities. Under such kinds of insurance covers, the car owner is bound to pay the liabilities in cash for the damage caused to pedestrians, or other people, or causing damage to any property.

These auto insurance laws are governed under what is called, financial responsibility requirements. Car owners can also manipulate other alternatives, beyond the realm of insurance, in order to have the insurance needs fulfilled completely. Still further, there are many states, which offer alternative to the insurance in the form of cash bond. In case of any accident caused by the car driver, the person injured can claim for the expenses against the cash bond, in a similar manner, as an injured person would claim under the auto insurance.

However, for most of the car owners, insurance seems to be the only cost-effective way of meeting the requirements. A point to note here is that every state has its own individual laws which govern the financial responsibility, insurance coverage, or no-fault coverage. Therefore, a food idea out there would be to know the laws prevalent in your state, and then march ahead.

Again, since every state has its own financial responsibility legislations, and this can really make the mind of a car owner go round and round. In fact, the car owner would be in a dicey situation and unable to decide their probable action.

As per standard car insurance policy given out by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) –

ISO is a clearing house for the insurance industry. The office provides standard car insurance policy stating — “When this policy is certified as future proof of financial responsibility, this policy shall comply with the law to the extent required.”

In case a car driver’s license has been annulled and/or suspended as the result of causing accident due to reckless driving, bad driving record, or any kind of falsified judgment occurring due to previous accident, or otherwise, the same can be activated, provided the car driver/owner provides evidence of financial responsibility. There are many ways in which the insurance holder can provide proves, of which, the most common and simple way is to file the document with the state a ency. Filing the documents with the state agency would ensure the state administration that driver license is in force, and valid.

If you have financed you car, then the financial institution from which you have hired the money would demand collision insurance from you. If you are grappling with the situation where your insurance policy has lapsed, and you still have to pay your installments on the car, then the finance company is likely to buy the insurance on your behalf, and add the insurance cost to total cost of the vehicle. A word of caution here! Such kinds of replacement insurances are expensive options to exploit.

Though generally, car owners need auto insurance so that they can drive without any hassles, many also avail the auto insurance to keep their vehicle secured and safe. The standard Personal Auto Policy, also called as “Coverage for Damage to Your Auto,” is one sound policy offering damage covers to your autos.
This policy is also referred to as physical damage coverage policy.

The auto insurance coverage for vehicular damages primarily consists of “Collision” and “Other than Collision.” An insurance buyer has the freedom to buy any or both type of insurance coverage on the car purchases.

The policy clearly outlines that an auto insurance provider in wake of the direct and accidental loss, will be responsible for paying to the car owner. The policy also covers physical damage to non-owned auto, damage caused to the equipment, excluding the deductible. However, if the collision occurs in such a manner that it covers more than single “covered auto,” a highest deductible is settled.

The out-of-state coverage highlights given under the standard auto policy does not only delineate to the minimum insurance coverage available, but also takes into account different types of coverage for different car models. Therefore, it is necessary for the car owner to ensure which insurance policy is good for his car, and which one is odd.

As per the highlights, if the driver drives into the state where insurance policy demands to have no-fault benefits or other types of coverage, the policy would automatically provide a basic minimum coverage.

And in case you are traveling with your insured car outside your home state, the auto insurance policy would again adjust to the insurance laws and liability limits of that particular state. In such an event, the insurance coverage would conform to the laws available in the non resident state.

Taking into account the holistic viewpoint and conducting in depth research on different types of insurance coverage, a car owner would get the best product for their car. The best thing is to shop around in line with individual requirements.

When renting a car, do I need to be insured?

It is often invoked in the minds of the car insurance buyers that is it necessary to buy the insurance even on a rented car? When a car is rented by a person, he or she is offered with a collision damage waiver or CDW. Some of auto rental companies vocalize the term “loss damage waiver” or LDW, but the amount of coverage endowed is the same.

Such a waiver keeps the person safe, in case, any potential damage is caused to the rental car. However, you need to comply to other terms listed in rental contract terms. In an event where you ignore the car coverage insurance, and the rented car meets with an accident, then, obviously, you’d be held responsible for the entire damage.

The common problem associated with these waivers is that they have many loopholes, and loose points, and the car renter would be completely unaware of such limitations, ultimately rendering the coverage null and void. For example, coverage as given under CDW can turn void, if the driver is driving a car on n unpaved area or if the driver is indulging in any kind of reckless driving. It is important to mention here that the term “Negligent” is defined by the rental company at his own terms. The CDW policy is usually expensive, as much as $16 every day to the rental costs.

Still more, there are many regular auto insurance policies available which offer comprehensive coverage to the rented cars. However, what covers in the printed matter differs a lot, as the re are certain limitations on certain types of car rentals.

Before covering any rental coverage, it is important that you assess the type of insurance you hold. However, in case, your personally owned car has collision insurance, and above that you have a car insurance policy covering the rented vehicles, it’d be perfectly right to ignore the CDW coverage. The liability insurance coverage is covered under your private auto policy, and is sufficient enough to protect you and the passengers in the car.

Insurance coverage for rented cars may also depend on the purpose of using vehicle. There are certain policies which put a limit on the number of rental days. Some of the insurance policies also apply the deductibles and reduce the liability amounts substantially.

In the end it is for you to decide when you go for rental car insurance coverage! The underline idea is shop and compare.

Getting the Right Insurance, the First time

Thinking of getting right insurance coverage for your needs? Well, take some time out and read through some of the key highlights outlined below, which would help you in obtaining appropriate car insurance for your adorable car:

-You need to present Primary Factors your name, age, sex, marital status etc. These are essential for taking the insurance coverage of your choice and means.

-The insurance company should know your Sub-class, which is also your driving record. If you have a good driving record, getting insurance coverage is easy. Probably, buying car insurance is a difficult task in such a situation. Many of the auto insurance companies take into consideration “Secondary Rating Factors,” where companies analyze the statistics of how many car accidents have been done by a car owner.

-State of Residence. An auto car insurance company would charge you more, if you are living in a metropolitan or a cosmopolitan town.

-The Net Assets. Depending on the assets which a car owner holds, he or she can buy car insurance liability coverage. In an event where you do not have appropriate assets for the liability coverage, the state minimums cover the liability.

-Manner of Usage. Car owner can use the car either for business purpose or as a commodity of personal usage. Auto insurance company will decide on this under the Automobile Use Classification. This classification encompasses variable categories such as pleasure use, business use, farm use, and driving to work. The question of how you use the car comes into play when the car owner holds more than one car. If any car owner has three or four cars under the business use, or driving to work. Allocate one car and insure it under the pleasure use coverage.

-Check the Model, Age and Manufacturer’s Name of your car. These factors play crucial role in deciding what type of insurance coverage you’d eventually buy. This is a risky venture altogether. If your car is of older model, you would have to pay less money for the insurance. It is because; the replacement value of the car would decrease substantially. If you have bought an antique car, then you have to go as per the pre-replacement price.

-Choosing between Single and Multiple car risk policies. Auto insurance policies are differentiated into single-car risks insurance policies, and multi-car risks insurance policies respectively. Multiple car risk policies are cheaper as the car owners who are going for such kind of insurance are offered discounts.

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The importance of insurance cannot be over-emphasized and neither can the danger of paying for insurance you don’t need. It is strongly recommended you solicit the advice of an in-dependent business insurance agent. Don’t forget to SHOP! Talk to three or four independent agents and compare notes and prices. An insurance agent will lay out a vast array of insurance coverage much of which you simply may not need. Your situation will be unique and you must consider each insurance element carefully to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Whatever your final insurance program looks like, you should review it at least every six months. Your business can change rapidly, especially in the first few years and insurance needs change with it. Keep your program up to date by calling in your agent and reviewing your coverage. Make changes where necessary.

LIABILITY INSURANCE

This is probably the most important element of your insurance program. Liability insurance provides protection from potential
losses resulting from injury or damage to others or their property. Just recall some of the big cash awards you have read about that have resulted from lawsuits concerning liability of one kind or another and you will understand the importance of this insurance. Your insurance agent can describe the various types of liability insurance coverage that are available. If you will end up with a comprehensive general policy, make certain that the general policy does not include items you don’t need. Pay for only the insurance you need. For example, your business may not need product liability insurance.

Do not confuse business liability coverage with your personal liability coverage, both of which you need. Your personal coverage will not cover a business-generated liability. Check to be certain.

Compare the costs of different levels of coverage. In some cases a $2 million policy costs only slightly more than a $1 million policy. This economy of scale is true with most forms of insurance coverage. That is, after a certain value, additional insurance becomes very economical.

KEY PERSON INSURANCE

This type of insurance is particularly important for the sole proprietorship or partnership where the loss of one person through illness, accident, or death may render the business inoperative or severely limit its operations. This insurance, although not inexpensive, can provide protection for this situation. Key person insurance might also be necessary for others involved in your business.

SGC was a small firm run by three partners, a software programmer, marketer, and a general manager. Their product was a complex computer program used by aerospace firms. Al, the programmer, was involved in a severe automobile accident, became totally disabled, and SGC lost their programming capability. The problem was that the computer program written by Al was essentially the company’s sole product. Modifications to accommodate the customer became impossible and the time to bring another programmer up to speed was excessive. SGC lost considerable business as a result of this situation. These losses could have been offset by key person insurance.

DISABILITY INSURANCE

You, as a business owner, should be covered by disability insurance whether or not you decide on key person insurance. This insurance, along with business-interruption insurance, described below, will help ensure your business will continue to operate in the unfortunate situation where you are unable to work. Your disability insurance policy needs to provide satisfactory coverage. Particular attention should be paid to the definition of “disability,” delay time until payments start, when coverage terminates, and adjustments for inflation.

FIRE INSURANCE

Fire insurance, like all insurance is complicated and you should understand what IS and IS NOT covered. For example, a typical fire insurance policy covers the loss of contents but does not cover your losses from the fact that you may be out of business for 2-months while your facility is rebuilt. Fire insurance is mandatory whether you’re working out of a home office or you have a separate facility. You should discuss a comprehensive policy with your agent. Take the time to understand the details. For example, will the contents be insured for their replacement value or for actual value at the time of loss?

Consider a co-insurance clause that will reduce the policy cost considerably. This means that the insurance carrier will require you to carry insurance equal to some percentage of the value of your property. (Usually around 85%.) With this type of clause it is very important that you review coverage frequently so you always meet the minimum percentage required. If this minimum is not met, a loss will not be paid no matter what its value.

If you are working out of your home, your existing homeowner’s policy may not cover business property. If this is the case, have your insurance agent to add a home-office rider to your policy.

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

You probably already have automobile insurance but it might not include business use of your vehicle. Make sure that it does.

WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE

If you make the decision to hire employees, you will be required, in most states, to cover them under worker’s compensation. The cost of this insurance varies widely and depends on the kind of work being performed and your accident history. It is important that you properly classify your employees to secure the lowest insurance rates. Work closely with your insurance agent.

BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE

This protects against loss of revenue as the result of property damage. This insurance would be used, for instance, if you could not operate your business during the time repairs were being made as a result of a fire or in the event of the loss of a key supplier. The coverage can pay for salaries, taxes, and lost profits.

CREDIT INSURANCE

This will pay for unusual losses as the result of nonpayment of accounts receivables above a certain threshold. As with all policies, you must thoroughly understand the details so discuss it with your insurance agent. One of the largest providers of this coverage is American Credit Indemnity, Baltimore, MD. (800) 879 1224.

BURGLARY/ROBBERY/THEFT INSURANCE

Comprehensive policies are available that protect against loss from these perils, including by your own employees. Make certain you understand what is excluded from coverage.

RENT INSURANCE

This policy covers the cost of rent for other facilities in the event your property becomes damaged to the extent that operations cannot continue in your normal location.

DISABILITY INSURANCE

This insurance will pay you an amount each month slightly less than your current salary in the event you become disabled and are unable to work. Cost for this coverage varies considerably depending on your profession, salary level, how quickly benefits start, and when they end. Benefits paid are tax-free only if you, not your company, pay the premiums.

This list could be continued since it is possible to purchase insurance for just about any peril you can imagine … if you can pay the premium! When considering your insurance coverage, use the following checklist:

INSURANCE COVERAGE CHECKLIST:

• Can you afford the loss?

• What coverage is required by Federal, state, or local law?

• What SPECIFIC items are covered by the policy?

• Are items to be insured for their replacement cost or original value?

• What SPECIFIC items are EXCLUDED by the policy?

• If there is a co-insurance clause, do you have adequate coverage?

• Have you chosen deductibles wisely in order to minimize costs?

• Do any of the policies you are considering duplicate or overlap one another?

• Do you need any insurance based on location, e.g., flood, earthquake?

Use the following checklist to review your insurance plans:

INSURANCE PLAN CHECKLIST:

• Employ an independent insurance agent rather than going to individual insurance companies. Ensure the agent shops for your insurance.

• Talk to and get quotations from at least THREE agents and pick the best one for you.

• Use money saving comprehensive policies, if possible.

• Perform periodic (every 6-months) reviews of your insurance program.

• Have business assets professionally appraised to determine coverage needs.

• Ensure existing personal insurance coverage includes business-related activities and add riders as necessary or obtain additional coverage.