10 Ways To Lower Your Health Insurance Costs

Insurance Quotes. Buying and maintaining affordable health insurance can seem like a daunting proposition. With so many options to choose from and countless figures associated with each policy, it can sometimes seem as though you need an M.D. simply to make sense of it all. Thankfully there are some basic tips you can use for guidance along the way.

1. Know your health. Buying health insurance is confusing enough without having to wonder what those physicals will find. If you haven’t been to a clinic for a checkup in the last several years, you may want to get a detailed overview before you begin shopping. Often just by getting your blood chemistry and a few other key indicators, you can save yourself considerable time down the road.

2. If you have a pre-existing medical condition such as diabetes or hypertension, you may have trouble getting affordable health insurance. Do not give up, however – these days a number of boutique insurance companies specialize in insuring people with certain disorders. Even if you believe you will never be able to find annual fees that suit your budget, a little research is bound to discover at least one or two companies who offer a higher standard of care and support. Needless to say, you want to avoid the major insurance companies for the same reason.

3. Ask your existing doctors and specialists whether they belong to any group plans such as HMOs or PPOs. You may not have anyone in your Rolodex if you have avoided medical care during a period of unemployment, but it is always wise to look ahead and anticipate the people you expect to visit. This includes psychiatrists, chiropractors and countless other subspecialties, so make a list of your ideal caregivers. Even if you cannot think of anyone offhand, most experts recommend calling a local treatment center and seeing what kind of insurance they offer the best rates with.

4. Look for group plans, even if you’re between jobs. Too many people assume that if they have lost their jobs, few options exist for affordable health care. Not so – today a growing stable of trade groups, guilds and unions have sprung up to help people who may be out of work or self-employed. It’s not unusual for major insurance companies to offer outstanding rates to group plans such as these, so you may save thousands each year just by joining up. The last thing you want is to pay out of pocket just because you freelance, so look for like-minded people in your area to see what’s possible.

5. Another good option if you have recently terminated at another job is to take advantage of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA. This legislation stipulates that employers must provide you with supplemental health insurance for up to a year after you leave the job – not a long term plan, perhaps, but a welcome buffer if you do not relish the thought of spending weeks without a safety net. Most employers will extend COBRA benefits automatically, though some may require proof of employment and recent health records. Be prepared to produce all this information if you want to avoid lag times.

6. Decide whether you want to go with a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Each offers different pros and cons, but the difference boils down to a simple question of access versus cost. PPOs are popular because they allow you to seek care outside your original health network, albeit it at an increased deductible and copay. HMOs, on the other hand, only cover caregivers within the network – but they may offer significant savings if you don’t foresee the need to travel outside your plan for treatment.

7. SHOP AROUND! Health insurance companies are notorious for the widely divergent algorithms they use to determine your premiums. If you are unhappy with the prices at one, be sure to collect several more estimates before you commit to any plan. It’s not unusual for two companies with the same data and case history to vary as much as 50 percent from one another, so you owe it to yourself to get a boarder overview. Don’t just limit yourself to major providers either – a number of low-volume insurance companies offer special deals that may benefit people in your neighborhood or profession.

8. Be sure and check the copays on any medications you are already taking. Too many people forget this step, only to find themselves astonished by their first trip to the pharmacy. You may also want to look into the difference in cost for brand-name versus generic drugs – sometimes you can find a steep discount by switching to a medication only one provider covers. When in doubt, ask a customer service professional about your precise medication and dosage, as you want to get a specific number nailed down before you sign.

9. Save by combining health care policies with family members. It is a well-known fact that married couples enjoy less expensive health care premiums than their unmarried counterparts, but you may be able to save further by putting the whole family under a single umbrella plan. Spouses and children help distribute the risk for insurance carriers, giving them greater incentive to match or beat the other estimates you have seen. You may also be able to combine health insurance with life insurance to create an overarching combined policy – again, the premiums here will inevitably drop as you fold more coverages in.

10. Take care of yourself. This is perhaps self-evident, but it remains of paramount importance to individuals who see themselves switching carriers sometime in the future. Try quitting smoking, losing weight, increasing your exercise and otherwise taking daily steps to improve your health. It is a simple fact of the insurance business that private companies work for profit – if you can minimize the risk they take in covering you, you can expect to pay far less money over the course of your lifetime. Insurance Quotes

Health Insurance Quotes

Why Do You Need Health Insurance?

Health Insurance Quotes. Medical care is so costly that consumer studies attribute half of all personal bankruptcies in the U.S. to uninsured medical expenses. If you are uninsured, finding affordable individual health insurance costs may be the single most important thing you can do for your financial wellbeing.

When you buy health insurance, you are buying peace of mind. If you’re young and in good health you may think of health insurance as an unnecessary expense, but if you are injured or have a medical emergency, the last thing you need is to be worried about how you’ll pay for your medical care.

With health insurance, you can focus on what’s most important – your treatment and recovery.
How to Shop Smart for Health Insurance Quotes

Finding the best individual health insurance costs is a balancing act: solid coverage without high out-of-pocket expenses, as well as lower individual health insurance rates and premiums that fits your budget. Here are some things you should know when searching for cheap individual health insurance quotes:

* Even if you have health insurance through your employer, it may not be enough coverage. Understand the limitations of your group coverage, and if necessary, consider supplemental health insurance to fill the gaps.
* If you are not covered by an employer (yours or your spouse’s), you may be eligible for a group plan through another organization, such as an alumni association, civic organization, or even a credit card company.
* Look for coverage that provides for most medical treatments, including preventive care, hospital stays, and treatment by specialists.
* If you can afford it, consider a policy that includes dental and vision coverage.
* Know your deductibles and copayments. These are your out-of-pocket expenses; higher deductibles typically mean lower premiums, and lower deductibles mean higher premiums.
* Choose a policy that includes prescription coverage. Even if you don’t take any medications now, you almost certainly will at some point-and medication is expensive.
* While managed-care health plans, such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs) are generally less expensive than pay-for-service plans, they do limit your choice of providers and facilities. Make sure the list of approved providers for your plan includes names you know and trust. Get Health Insurance Quotes now.

Dental Insurance Quotes

Why Do You Need Dental Insurance?

* To maintain a healthy mouth. Studies show that regular check-ups and cleanings help to maintain dental health. That’s why most insurance plans pay 100% for regular check-ups twice a year.
* To pay for costly dental treatments and repairs. Even if you practice good oral hygiene and preventive care, the time may come when you’ll need more extensive dental work. Dental insurance generally pays all or a percentage of the charges related to your preventive care, as well as a portion of reparative or restorative work.
* To protect your general health. Studies suggest that tooth decay and gum disease may contribute to health problems, increase a woman’s risk of preterm delivery or a low birth-weight baby, or pose a serious threat to people whose health is compromised by chronic conditions such as diabetes, respiratory diseases, or osteoporosis. Routine check-ups and cleanings play a large role in keeping you healthy in the years to come, and dental insurance will help you pay for this preventive care.

How to Shop Smart for Dental Insurance Quotes

Dental insurance comes in many varieties, including HMOs and PPOs. If you’re not covered by an employer’s group dental plan, you may be looking for individual dental insurance quotes as a supplement to your health insurance coverage or as a stand-alone policy.

When considering your cheap dental insurance quotes, be sure to compare the benefits offered and annual maximum benefits levels as well as the monthly dental insurance rates and premiums. You may find that a higher level of desired benefits is worth the additional cost of higher dental insurance rates.

Here are some questions to guide you when shopping for low cost dental insurance quotes:

* Are you free to choose any provider you wish?
* Who controls your treatment options—you and your dentist, or your provider?
* What services are covered under the plan, and what are the limitations?
* Will the plan cover the services of a specialist who is recommended by your dentist?

Finding cheap dental insurance quotes is a lot easier.Get low cost dental insurance quotes today!

Renters Insurance Quotes

Why Do You Need Renters Insurance?

About insurance quotes. Many people who rent their homes think they don’t need renters insurance, but your landlord’s insurance will not protect you against damage to your personal property, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and other valuables.

Whether the cause is fire, water or even lightning, renters insurance safeguards you against financial loss resulting from physical damage to your personal belongings. It also covers you if your possessions are stolen (even if they’re in your car). And if you are sued by a guest who is injured in your home, renters insurance may provide coverage for legal expenses.

How to Shop Smart for Renters Insurance

If you’ve decided to buy renters insurance to protect yourself and your personal property, how do you go about selecting the right coverage and finding the best rates for your circumstances? You can start by shopping for instant renters insurance quotes and learning what details to look when comparing policies. Some important points to consider after you receive your rental insurance quotes include:

* Deductible – By choosing a policy with higher out-of-pocket deductibles, you could save money on premiums and overall rates
* Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost – With actual cash value the amount your insurer will pay is based on the depreciated value of the item. Replacement cost coverage will generate higher insurance rates, but it provides coverage based on the amount the item costs today.
* Discounts – Many insurers offer discounted renters insurance rates to non-smokers or for multiple policies (such as renters and auto). Always ask about discounts when receiving rental insurance quotes.
* Other Tenants – If you will be sharing your home make sure you understand if and how others will be covered.

Finding online renters insurance quotes is a lot easier than you think withInsuranceQuotes.com. We make it simple for you to obtain an insurance quote anytime, from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

With renters insurance rates as low as $20/month you can’t afford not to get it. Get your insurance quote now!

Mortgage Insurance

About insurance quotes. One of the most exciting moments in life is the purchase of a home. Whether it is an apartment, townhouse, single family home or vacation home, the thrill is great. It is also a huge financial responsibility. What happens if you die and the money you earn has been paying for either most or all of the mortgage payments? The simple answer is your family may not be able to continue living in the home which would be devastating.

The good news is that mortgage insurance is available to pay for the cost of your remaining mortgage amount. Mortgage insurance is simply another name for term life insurance. Someone takes out a policy over a specified period of time- usually 10-30 years and makes monthly premium payments. One of the reasons that the rates are reasonably priced is because if you outlive the duration of the policy, it simply expires. Specifically, it only has cash value if you die. The younger you are when taking out a mortgage insurance policy, the lower the premiums will be. A healthy non-smoking male can pay as low as $35 per month for a 20 year policy worth $500,000.

There are numerous factors to take into account when your mortgage insurance premiums are determined. They include:

* Your age – the younger you are, the less likely you are to die. These odds reward younger people with lower premiums.
* Smokers beware – Not only is smoking a major risk to your health but it will make your annual insurance increase by up to 30%. If you ever needed another reason to stop smoking, saving money for being a non-smoker may help you decide that today is the day to quit.
* Your job – If you sit at a desk all day or hold some other type of job that would be considered less risky, your rates will be lower. Conversely, if your job involves risk, then your premiums will be higher. Examples of higher risk jobs include being a pilot, a miner, window cleaner, or a police officer. While it is not being suggested that you change your line of work to get lower rates, it is something to keep in mind when looking at all factors of choosing a line of work.
* Your health -It is not debatable that eating a diet low in fat and processed foods will keep you healthier. Exercise will also keep you healthier. While what you eat will not be known when applying for insurance, if your blood, sugar and heart rate levels are not good, you will pay more for insurance. The biggest favor you can do for yourself and your loved ones is to eat healthy and get plenty of exercise. Get insurance quotes now.

Home Insurance Quotes

Compare Home Insurance Quotes and Save!

Insurance quotes
Home Insurance Quotes. Whether you are looking for a free homeowners insurance quote for a new home or looking for a better deal on your current insurance, InsuranceQuotes.com can help you find the right coverage with homeowners insurance rates that fit your budget. Get your free home insurance quotes today and find out just how much you could save!
Why Do You Need Homeowner Insurance?

If you have a mortgage on your home your lender requires you to carry home insurance in an amount sufficient to protect its financial interest. By making smart decisions about the homeowners insurance you buy, you’ll make sure that your interests are protected, too.

Typically, a home insurance policy protects you in three important ways:

* Structures – Your homeowner’s policy protects you against loss caused by accidental or weather-related damage to your home or other structures on your property. Home insurance also covers your expenses if you cannot live in your home for a period of time due to a covered loss (such as a fire, for example).
* Personal Property – Home insurance protects you and the members of your household against loss of personal property due to damage or theft.
* Liability – Liability insurance pays for medical expenses or other claims against you if a guest is injured while on your property or in your home.

How to Shop Smart for Homeowner Insurance Quotes

Home insurance isn’t “one-size-fits-all.” Here are things you should keep in mind as you search for the best value for your needs:

* Coverage Amounts – Make sure that your coverage is enough to protect the total value of your home, not just the equity in your home or the balance remaining on your mortgage.
* Covered and Uncovered Losses – What types of losses are covered by the policy? Theft, fire, and weather damage are standard for most policies, but some hazards, such as floods and earthquakes, may require a separate policy.
* Policy Exclusions – Most insurance policies specifically exclude damages caused by certain circumstances. Know and understand the limitations of your coverage.
* Deductible – You can save money on homeowners insurance rates by choosing a policy with higher out-of-pocket deductibles, but make sure the deductibles you choose are realistic.
* Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost – With actual cash value compensation your insurer will pay for the depreciated value of the lost item. Replacement cost coverage is more expensive, but it provides compensation based on the amount it will cost you to replace the item today.
* Discounts – Many insurers offer premium homeowners insurance rates to non-smokers or for new homes, security systems, or multiple policies.

Finding online home insurance rates is a lot easier than you may think. We make it simple for you to obtain free homeowners insurance quotes anytime, from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Get free home insurance quotes.

Life Insurance Quotes

Get Multiple Life Insurance Quotes in Just Minutes!

Life Insurance Quotes. Does the process of buying life insurance seem complicated and time consuming? When you’re ready to obtain online life insurance rates, simply complete and submit our 5-minute questionnaire. And once you get matching quotes, we can help you choose the coverage and policy you need, at a price that works for your budget.


If the topic of life insurance makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Thinking about our own passing or the passing of someone we love is always painful. Even so, if you have a spouse or children who depend on your income, you want to know they will be okay after you’re gone.

Depending on your circumstances, the proceeds from your life insurance policy can:

* replace lost income
* cover burial and estate expenses.
* pay off debt such as mortgage, car loans, home equity loans, college costs, medical care, and other types of debt

Life Insurance options

Understanding the types of life insurance available and then determining what is best for you can be overwhelming. Listed below are the types of life insurance. This will give you a head start when speaking with insurance agents on your life insurance options:
Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance is a commonly understood policy. You select the number of years you would like to be protected for. You pay either a monthly quarterly or annual amount. If you are still alive beyond the number of years the policy to run, the policy expires. A term life insurance policy has no cash value. Rather, it is in place to pay only if you die within this time frame. Term life insurance is very popular as it is usually inexpensive and can be set-up quickly and easily.
Whole Life Insurance

The benefit of a Whole Life Insurance policy is that while protecting your family in the event of your death, you are simultaneously building a cash value account. Under this type of policy, the insurance company exclusively manages the cash value account of your policy. By building a cash value to this account, you have the option to receive dividends or reinvest this money to reduce the costs of your premiums. You can also withdraw money from this policy.
Variable Life Insurance

There are unique components in selecting a Variable Life Insurance policy. This type of policy offers permanent coverage and account flexibility for someone who is a higher risk taker pertaining to their finances. The benefit paid when you die is not a set amount. The death benefit would vary depending on how well the money increased in value based upon the investments made. It is important to remember that you can borrow money from this policy during your lifetime.
Universal Life Insurance

Universal life insurance provides guaranteed protection for your dependents and financial flexibility. It offers separate accounts for you to invest in such as money market, stock, and bond funds. In addition, you are allowed to either borrow or make withdrawals from the account. Keep in mind that if you end the policy during the early years, the cash value will be less when time to receive funds.
How to Shop Smart for Life Insurance Quotes

With so many kinds of life insurance available-and considering the fact that term life insurance rates can vary as much as 50% among carriers-it pays to do your homework when shopping for term life insurance quotes. Here are some things to keep in mind as you search for the best plan and most competitive term life insurance rates:

* Determine your particular needs. If your children left the house or your spouse works or has additional income, and if you don’t have much debt, your insurance needs will be less than other people having more responsibilities or carrying a heavy debt load.
* Learn about the types of insurance available. A cash-value policy may provide an investment component or allow you to borrow against its value. Cash-value insurance is more expensive and simply provides a payout to your survivors at the time of your death.
* Ask about the issuing life insurance company’s financial strength and its track record for processing and paying claims.
* Lifestyle choices, such as smoking and drinking, can result in higher premiums. Your age and your health history are also a factor in term life insurance rates and premium costs.
* If you can afford to, save money by paying the premium on your policy for an entire year. Monthly or quarterly payments usually carry a surcharge of around 5% or more.

Finding online life insurance quotes is a lot easier than you think. We make it simple for you to obtain free insurance estimates anytime, from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Don’t procrastinate making this important decision. Get term life insurance quotes.

Auto Insurance Quotes

Get Multiple Auto Insurance Quotes in Just Minutes!


About insurance quotes. Whether you’re shopping for free car insurance quotes for a new car or looking for better automobile insurance quotes on your current auto insurance,let us help you find the coverage with the top auto insurance estimates available. Get our tips estimate today – and see just how much you could save!
Why Do You Need Auto Insurance?

On average, an auto accident occurs every five seconds in the United States. With each accident comes the risk of serious injury as well as damage to property. Consider the following:

* Auto insurance protects one of the largest investments in your life by providing money for repairs or replacement in the event of an accident.
* If you’re at fault in an accident, auto insurance protects you against financial loss.
* Most states require drivers to carry liability insurance. The consequences of driving without liability insurance range from impounded vehicles to heavy fines or even jail time.
* Approximately 14% of drivers in America are uninsured. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re injured or your property is damaged by a driver who has no insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage.

How to Shop Smart for Auto Insurance Quotes

Because automobile insurance quotes can vary among insurers by hundreds of dollars per year, it’s important to consider the type and amount of auto insurance you need. Depending on your circumstances,you may choose any or all of the following types of auto insurance:

* Liability insurance – the minimum coverage required by most states – protects you if you’re at fault in an accident resulting in injury to another and/or damage to another’s property.
* Collision insurance – pays for damage to your own car when you’re at fault in an accident.
* Uninsured/Under-insured Motorist coverage – protects you when you’re involved in an accident that is not your fault and the driver at fault is uninsured or doesn’t carry enough insurance to compensate you for your loss.
* Comprehensive coverage – pays for damage to your car that is unrelated to a collision,such as theft, storm damage,fire or vandalism.

Many insurers offer premium discounts for non-smokers, low-mileage vehicles,safety or anti-theft devices, or mature-driver classes. When you receive your free car insurance rates at InsuranceQuotes.com remember to ask what types of discounts each company provides.

Finally,when obtaining your online auto insurance quotes, be sure to choose a financially stable insurance company with a record of good customer service and prompt claims processing.

Finding free car insurance quotes is a lot easier than you may think. We make it simple for you to obtain online quotes anytime,from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Start shopping for automobile insuranceinsurance quotes. .

How to Compare Renters Insurance Quotes

How to Compare Renters Insurance Quotes. Renter’s insurance is one of the most overlooked types of insurance. People who live in apartments tend to forego safety precautions such as these because they believe the landlords have assumed liability for the building as a whole. While this may be essentially true, the fact remains that your possessions aren’t being rented from anyone – they are yours alone. If you want to protect them from theft, damage and fire, it is critical to find an insurance policy that limits your liability. Good renters insurance doesn’t stop there either. You can add in personal liability provisions as well.

Depending on your needs and the value of the items you are insuring, you may see vastly different quotes from the major insurance carriers. Some of this may simply be due to a variation in the way they calculate premiums. Some may be due to a lack of knowledge about your neighborhood. One common mistake renters make is selecting the lowest premiums without reading the fine print. This is a dangerous way to assume tremendous liability without realizing it. Careful reading and a good education about what these numbers mean can go a long way towards protecting you more completely in the future.

The most important things to look for in your quote are the premium and deductibles. Depending on your credit and the algorithm used by that insurance company, these numbers can fluctuate from quote to quote. Low premiums generally mean a higher deductible, while higher premiums generally offer the reverse. If you have saved up some money for a major catastrophe, it is always wiser to opt for the higher deductible and save every year on your insurance premiums. That said, you also want to be on the lookout for hidden fees and other taxes that may effectively wipe out the advantage – again, close reading is recommended.

Next you want to look for personal liability. Too many renter’s insurance contracts offer no protection in the event someone is injured in your home, and accidents such as these can mean crippling medical bills over many years. Stick with quotes that offer fairly high liability coverages to ensure you aren’t buried by an unforeseen event. You may also want to look for flood or earthquake damage, particularly in high-risk parts of the country. Many renters assume such damages will be covered as a matter of course, but usually they require an additional policy.

Finally, bear in mind that most insurance quotes are just that – quotes. For harder numbers, you may have to speak with an agent and negotiate your rates. Sound comparison shopping will often yield deals you might not find otherwise, and savvy shoppers can use such rates to squeeze even more money out of their principal carriers. If you want to save additional costs without negotiation, experts also recommend consolidating your various insurance policies – auto, home and life – under a single company to earn steep discounts on all three.