Sunday Oct 4, 2009
Apologizing after an auto incident, and other key phrases during incidents, can make processing your insurance claim a major struggle.
Monday Jun 8, 2009
For consumers who have questions about insurance, your state insurance department is a treasure chest of assistance and information.
Thursday Apr 23, 2009
Going green - using less energy, driving less or buying an energy-efficient house - not only saves you money directly but can also cut your insurance premiums. Insurance companies are realizing that smarter consumers are also less risky.
Wednesday Apr 22, 2009
Going green can get you points with your insurance company and save you some money.
Thursday Mar 12, 2009
Lew Sichelman answers reader questions about property damage recourse and California veteran loan privates, as well as feedback sent in response to his supoort of the Obama administration's plan to prevent home foreclosures.
Thursday Jan 29, 2009
One homeowner-insurance company is sticking in the coastal market and is making the push for wealthy customers.
Wednesday Jan 28, 2009
State Farm Insurance Cos. has announced it will pull out of the Florida homeowners-insurance market since it couldn't charge high enough rates.
Tuesday Jan 27, 2009
State Farm has announced it will pull out of Florida's property insurance market. The company stated it couldn't charge enough to cover risk - especially in the case of hurricanes.
Sunday Dec 28, 2008
Homeowners are hoping to lock in low mortgage rates and have been hurrying to refinance their homes. Experts advise not to pass up this opportunity if you're able to refinance. Here's what you should consider before applying.
Friday Oct 3, 2008
The financial crisis hurt publicly traded insurance companies' shares, but insurance experts say owners of property, life and annuity policies shouldn't be worried about making claims. However, borrowing difficulties could lead to higher premiums.
| Type | Today | Week Ago |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Year Fixed | 4.62%  |
4.67% |
| 30 Year Fixed | 5.15% | 5.15% |
| 1 Year ARM | 3.48% |
3.51% |
| 5/1 Year ARM | 3.62% |
3.68% |
| Type | Today | Week Ago |
|---|---|---|
| Line of Credit | 4.89%  |
4.88% |
| 10 Year Loan | 7.47% | 7.47% |
| 15 Year Loan | 7.61% |
7.60% |
| Type | Today | Week Ago |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Checking | 0.28% | 0.28% |
| Money Market/Savings | 0.38% | 0.38% |
| 12 Month CD | 1.13%  |
1.15% |
| 60 Month IRA CD | 2.40% |
2.41% |
| Type | Today | Week Ago |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Back Cards | 12.66% |
12.68% |
| No Annual Fee Cards | 12.08% |
11.97% |
| Reward Cards | 12.75% |
12.61% |
| Small Business Cards | 11.01% |
10.94% |
| Student Cards | 13.77% |
13.49% |
| Platinum Cards | 12.26% |
12.11% |
Great article and very true. I work as a consultant to businesses and individuals and now teach many of my clients what to say or "not" say. Agents can not do this due to who actually pays their bills - insurance carriers - they are acting as agents to the carriers. Many agents can lead a client down the path they should go but if the client says the wrong thing like "flood" then many times the claim can get thrown out or away from their favor. Insurance is a bit of a "less is more" - let the carriers ask the questions and only answer what is asked. I have often told clients I can create ANY reason for an insurance carrier not to want you as a client - it is all in the wording. On any given day you can be a desirable client or an undesirable client.