100 Cost-Effective Articles - Property & Casualty
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Anchors Away with Boat Owners Insurance
Boating can be a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG, 2007) reports that almost 5,000 recreational boating accidents occurred in 2005, causing just under 700 fatalities, around 3,500 injuries, and over $38 million in property damage. Fortunately, the Coast Guard statistics reveal that the number of accidents and fatalities seems to be on the decline, as compared to previous years. To further this trend, the Coast Guard offers online boating safety tips at , and they provide the opportunity to take any number of boating safety courses. Nonetheless, the potential for mishaps and liabilities has made many boat owners increasingly aware of the need for boat owners insurance.
(575 words)
Insuring Your Home-Based Business
Establishing a home-based business will inevitably affect your lifestyle. However, it is important to consider that it will also affect your insurance coverage—your homeowners or renters policy is not designed to protect your home-based business. While you can increase your homeowners coverage to meet some of your business needs, insurance solely for your business does not replace coverage for your home. Assess all of your needs to determine the best course of action.
(579 words)
Canine Concerns: Proper Insurance Coverage
If you are a dog owner, your pet may be your loyal friend and constant companion. However, if you are a homeowner, your dog could cause a few problems. Sometimes your dog’s breed can affect the approval or renewal of your homeowners insurance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2005), approximately 4.7 million people suffer dog bites each year. The Insurance Information Institute (III, 2005) estimates that dog-related injuries cost the industry $320 million in 2003 alone. As a result, coverage may be denied to those homeowners who own high-risk breeds, or high premiums may be involved in securing coverage.
(584 words)
Avoid an "Identity Crisis"—Protection Against Identity Theft
Identity theft—using another person's personal information to commit unlawful activity—has become a crime epidemic in recent years. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC, 2007) reports that their customer database, Consumer Sentinel, received over 670,000 complaints of fraud and ID theft in 2006. Identity theft can be emotionally and financially devastating. If you fall victim, it could cost you upwards of $1,000 out-of-pocket to rectify any damage caused by this crime. Before you become a victim, the steps outlined in this article can help keep your good name—and good credit—protected.
(631 words)
Is an Appraisal Part of Your Financial Plan?
Is your family heirloom a hidden treasure? Television shows featuring auctions and appraisal fairs have ushered the art of appraising into the limelight with fascinating stories—an ancient artifact unknowingly passed down from generation to generation; a rare trinket picked up at a yard sale; an historic relic found tucked away in the corner of an attic. While appraisals occasionally lead to surprising discoveries, they may also play a key role in developing financial plans. If you know you own expensive items, such as antiques or artwork—or even think you might—consider having your valuables appraised for insurance, estate planning, and tax purposes.
(657 words)
The Winding Road of Automobile Insurance
Auto insurance is an important element in today’s mobile society. As you choose the coverage that’s right for you and your family, you will most likely have to navigate through a maze of options, terminology, and costs. To help you along the way, take a look at some key components of a typical automobile insurance policy.
(522 words)