Top National Insurance Stories in 2007

Top National Insurance Stories in 2007 :
“The debate over climate change captured the world’s attention, including the insurance industry’s, in 2007, while major hurricanes spared the United States’ coastline. The soft market took hold of virtually all segments of the insurance market and even buyers in catastrophe-prone regions saw some rate relief. The sub-prime mortgage meltdown seems to have spared much of the industry but the directors and officers market is likely to feel the heat. The safety of products made in China and elsewhere was called into question and manufacturers and parents dealt with hundreds of product recalls. Agency compensation was again a topic of concern as a handful of carriers banned the use of contingent commissions at the beginning of 2007 while a few carriers introduced new supplemental incentive plans to reward profitable agents. One of the world’s largest insurance brokers made headlines for producing less than stellar results, while wildfires, floods and other natural disasters prompted several legislative initiatives in states and on Capitol Hill. And in the last days of 2007, the renewal of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act became reality.
The following are the top 10 news stories of the year, Top Insurance Stories:

2008 Top Safety Picks Vehicles

“Thirty-four vehicles earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for 2008. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes based on ratings in the Institute’s tests. Winners also have to be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC), which research shows can significantly reduce the risk of crashing…..” From the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety

11 NEW WINNERS FOR 2008

Midsize cars
Audi A3 Honda Accord

Small car
Subaru Impreza equipped with optional electronic stability control
MinivanHonda Odyssey

Midsize SUVs
BMW X3BMW X5
Hyundai Veracruz built after August 2007Saturn VUE built after December 2007Toyota Highlander
Small SUVHonda Element
Large pickupToyota Tundra

Ford Motor Developing Child Crash Test Dummies

Ford Motor Developing Child Crash Test Dummies:
“A high-tech insert, similar in size and shape to a 6-year-old’s abdomen, is being developed for crash test dummies to help improve vehicle safety for children.
The prototype is part of an effort to make pediatric crash dummies and crash tests more real world, leading to better vehicle restraints, according to a Ford Motor Co. release.

Call Dick Watts Insurance 502-245-3625 for a free auto insurance quote

The Dearborn-based automaker is developing the prototype. Partners in the collaboration include Wayne State University in Detroit, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Takata Corp., which makes automotive safety systems…..” Insurance Journal

Foreclosures jump 30% in 3rd Quarter

“Foreclosure actions were reported on more than 446,000 properties the three months ended Sept. 30, up 30 percent from the second quarter and double last year’s third quarter. That brings the overall foreclosure rate to one in every 196 U.S. households…..” Foreclosures Increase

visit: kentucky-insurance.com

Progressive Unveils Industry's First Web 2.0 Site

“ Quick … which major auto insurer is the first to recognize that how people use the Web has changed and has responded by introducing the industry’s first Web 2.0 site? Why, Progressive, of course. The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, the first major insurer to introduce a Web site in 1995, today unveils the industry’s first Web 2.0 site.
“This is about watching and reacting to trends to keep our site relevant to all users. It moves progressive.com content from static to interactive,” said Toby Alfred, general manager, customer acquisition, Progressive “The redesign lets users get more from their visits; share their experiences; and have their progressive.com experience delivered to them in blogs, RSS readers and personal home pages.”

call Dick Watts Insurance 502-245-3625 for a Progressive Drive Insurance quote

The new site features easier navigation, more personalization and customization, easier-to-use video content (and more of it) and more visuals throughout. The site also features content channels – www.progressive.com has joined forces with industry experts to bring exclusive content to the Web. …..Progressive’s New Website

Why Renters Need Insurance

Why Renters need insurance:

“ACCORDING to the Insurance Information Institute , renters are 50 percent more likely than homeowners to be victims of burglars.

But while 96 percent of homeowners have homeowner’s insurance, which covers theft, only 43 percent of renters have such insurance, said Jeanne M. Salvatore, a spokeswoman for the institute. “And that’s a shame because a basic renter’s policy not only provides coverage for theft, it also provides coverage for personal property and liability coverage for personal injury to others,” Ms. Salvatore said.

Robert Owens, the president of the Owens Group, an insurance brokerage in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., says many renters who do not have their own insurance believe they are adequately covered by the building’s insurance policy. “The renter’s personal property is not going to be covered by the building’s policy,” Mr. Owens said…….. Kentucky Insurance info

Renters can choose between two types of coverage. “Actual cash value” coverage pays to replace damaged items after taking depreciation into account. “Replacement cost” coverage pays to replace the property at today’s cost. The premium for replacement coverage is typically about 10 percent higher…….” Renters Insurance

Yum Brands and the Worlds largest CSR Project

“Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM), parent of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, today launched the world’s largest hunger relief effort in an attempt to help stop world hunger. Called "World Hunger Relief Week,” the program supports the United Nations World Food Programme, the frontline agency in the fight against global hunger. During October 14-20, 35,000 company and franchised restaurants located in 112 countries will be participating in some way, including KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Long John Silver’s and A&W All-American Food.“

From Businesspundit:
”Yum Brands based right here in Louisville, KY, launch what may be the largest CSR project ever undertaken by a public company. What is it all about? According to Nick Huhn of Yum, it’s about the world’s largest food company partnering with the world’s largest hunger relief effort….“…Yum Brands & the world’s largest CSR Project

Most Renters Don't Bother With Insurance

Most Renters Don’t Bother with Insurance:

“A recent survey of renters commissioned by Trusted Choice found that most Americans who rent their homes don’t have insurance that would cover their losses in the event of burglary, fire or other unexpected occurrences.
Trusted Choice, based in Alexandria, Va., is the consumer marketing brand for 6,000 independent insurance agencies and brokerage firms across the country. The survey of more than 2,000 adults was conducted in mid-May by ICR, an independent research firm.
Madelyn Flannagan, a spokeswoman for Trusted Choice, said the survey "uncovered a persistent lack of awareness or understanding about property and liability risks faced by renters.”
Two-thirds of those surveyed don’t have renters’ insurance. There are 35 million Americans who rent rather than own their own home, according to figures Trusted Choice obtained from the National Multifamily Council.“ from Reality Times

Identity Theft Gone in 4 Seconds

The threat of Identity Theft continues to grow with over 100 million identities compromised in 2006 alone. This represents 1 out of 3 Americans affected. Identity theft is now the number one consumer crime in America occurring three times more often than home and auto theft combined.

This video has some great tips about how to reduce the risk of ID theft

Why you may need Gap Insurance for your new car

Why you may need GAP Insurance for your new car


for more information: visit Kentucky Insurance

Formeost Insurance

What is the payment address for Foremost Insurance?

visit our Frequently Asked Questions Blog

for more information about : Kentucky Insurance

68 million Americans do not have Life Insurance

“A recent survey indicates that 68 million Americans have no life insurance and those with coverage have far less than most experts recommend to ensure a secure financial future for their families. In fact, ownership of life insurance has been declining for decades and the impact is being felt in very human terms today. When a loved one dies without adequate life insurance coverage, surviving family members often face very difficult financial consequences like having to work additional jobs or longer hours, borrow money from friends and family, move to smaller, less expensive housing, or put plans for a child’s education on hold.
With so many Americans in a financially vulnerable situation today, the life insurance industry has created a month-long public awareness campaign aimed at encouraging the public to take stock of their life insurance needs. Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM) is an industry-wide effort coordinated by the nonprofit Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE)…

FINALLY!” SAYS FIDO, “A CAR INSURANCE COMPANY THAT GETS IT”

from Progressive Insurance :
““FINALLY!” SAYS FIDO, “A CAR INSURANCE COMPANY THAT GETS IT”

Dogs and Cats Everywhere Jump for Joy as Progressive Introduces Pet Injury Coverage,
Included At No Extra Charge For Customers With Collision Coverage

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio (Sept. 10, 2007) – If you’re like most of us, nothing gets your tail wagging faster than hitting the open road with your “master” at the wheel and you in the passenger seat, the windows rolled down, the wind in your fur.

But does it ever get stuck in your paw – I mean craw – to think that if something happens and this fancy metal cage with the four donut-shaped rubber chew toys that you’re riding in slams into something (your master would call this a “car accident”), your master’s car insurance policy would cover everyone in the car…except YOU?

Well, finally, there’s one car insurance company that is stepping up and giving man’s best friend the stature we’re due. The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies announced that it’s gone to the dogs – and cats. In most states, a Progressive policy with Collision coverage will now cover its customers’ canine and feline four-legged family members.” (specific limits apply check your own policy for specific coverages)

Progressive Insurance Commercial

Call us today we represent Progressive Insurance
Dick Watts Insurance 502-245-3625

Hurricane Season 5 Tips to Protect Yourself

Hurricane Season: Five Tips to Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Property

The 2007 hurricane season, which starts June 1 and runs through November 30, is expected to be an active one. London-based forecaster Tropical Storm Risk, predicts that there is an 86 percent probability that hurricane activity in 2007 will be in the top one-third of years historically. Colorado State University forecasters William Gray and Philip Klotzbach predict that there will be 13 named storms, four more than the average, with four major hurricanes and eight lesser ones. Experts at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center are projecting a 75 percent chance that the Atlantic Hurricane Season will be above normal this year—suggesting that more active and intense hurricane seasons will continue to be the trend….. 

First Party Pet Insurance from Progressive

Progressive Insurance offers First Party Pet Coverage,
If you have collision insurance with Progressive Insurance, they are now offering coverage for your pet who may injured in a covered accident. The Pet Coverage will cover Veterinary Expenses incurred as a result of accident related injuries to your cat or dog while in a covered vehicle. Specific limits may apply.
Call Dick Watts Insurance for a free Kentucky Car Insurance Quote 502-245-3625

Call us today to find out about First Party Pet Insurance Coverage from Progressive

(disclaimer: Every insurance policy is different, consult your own insurance policy for exact coverages and deductibles)

Why Term Life Insurance

Why Term Life Insurance Kentucky?

• It can provide a large amount of protectoin at a lower cost than permanent insurance.
• You decide how long the coverage is needed and purchas the term length that best suits your needs.
• It gives you peace of mind that your outstanding financial obligations will be met in the event of your untimely death .
• Its perfect for mortgage protection, families with young children or business owners seeking coverage for key employees

call Mike Watts at Dick Watts Insurance for Free Term Life Insurance QUOTE
502-245-3625

Term LifeInsurance

Middletown KY Adds Clock

Middletown, KY Adds Clock as part of Street Improvement
“A new town clock is up in Middletown just ahead of the city’s Milestone Festival, which is Sept. 7-8.

The clock, on Main Street near City Hall, chimes on the hour and also plays patriotic music twice a day, at noon and 5 p.m., Mayor Byron Chapman said.

The clock cost Middletown $24,000, he said. It is part of the city’s ongoing Main Street improvement project.

"The people that have seen it have enjoyed it and told me how pretty and nice it looks,” he said.“ from the Courier Journal

The Middletown Milestone Festival is scheduled for Sept 7th and Sept 8th Middletown, KY

RV owners may not have right insurance coverage

from Progressive Insurance Survey Says RV Owners may not have right insurance coverage

“If you bought a tractor-trailer or an airplane, you probably wouldn’t put either on your car insurance policy, since both are specialty vehicles and require specialized coverages and claims handling, right?
Then why, when asked, do more than half of RVers surveyed report having added their RV to their car insurance policy?
“We don’t know why, but we do know why they shouldn’t,” said Cathy Pelfrey, RV product manager, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, a leading seller of RV insurance in the U.S. “There are vast differences in coverage and services available from companies that specialize in recreational vehicle insurance that owners need to be aware of – we recommend they check with a local independent insurance agent or do research online to find out what’s available so they can make the decisions that are right for them.”
For example, what if…
Your RV breaks down on a trip?
While a lot of car insurance policies offer Roadside Assistance, your policy may not offer it for your RV. And, even if it covers some roadside expenses for RVs, it may not cover them all. For instance, it may pay for towing but only up to the amount it would typically cost to tow a car; RV tows can cost three times more, which means out-of-pocket expenses you’ll be responsible for paying.
Specialty insurers will generally also offer “emergency expense” coverage that will pay for temporary living quarters if the RV breaks down far from home. This kind of coverage will also generally cover the cost to return an RV home from a wreck or breakdown that happens more than 50 miles from home.
Your RV is stolen or totaled?
Your auto policy will likely pay Actual Cash Value (ACV) for your RV—that’s the market value as determined by third-party sources. However, most specialty insurers will offer you a choice of how you’d like this kind of claim handled. Some will offer you the choice of an agreed value settlement, that is, you and the insurance company agree, up front, what the RV is worth. If the RV is stolen or totaled, that’s the amount you’ll receive, less whatever deductible you chose when you bought the policy. Specialty insurers may also offer you Total Loss Replacement coverage that will provide you with a new RV in the event your RV that’s five years old or less is stolen or totaled. …..from Progressive Insurance
If you need an RV Insurance quote call Dick Watts Insurance, Louisville, KY 502-245-3625.

New Side Impact tests Luxury Large Cars

from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

“Three of six large car models earn the top rating of good, but one is marginal in side impact crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Results show a range of performance in how well large cars are designed to protect people in serious side crashes.

Ratings of good, acceptable, marginal, or poor are based on a crash test in which a barrier designed to replicate the front end of a typical SUV or pickup truck strikes the tested vehicle in the side at 31 mph.

The best performers are the Acura RL, Kia Amanti, and Volvo S80, all 2007 models. The S80 also earns the Institute’s 2007 TOP SAFETY PICK award for superior overall crash protection. The S80 qualifies because it’s rated good in the Institute’s front, side, and rear tests and has electronic stability control as standard equipment. The 2007 Cadillac STS and Mercedes E class earn acceptable ratings in the latest round of side tests. The worst performer is the 2008 BMW 5 series, which earns the second lowest rating of marginal for side impact protection. All 6 cars are equipped with standard side airbags that protect the heads of people in front and rear seats.

Side impacts are the second most common fatal crash type after frontal crashes. About 9,200 people in passenger vehicles were killed in side impacts in 2005. In crashes with other passenger vehicles during 2004-05, 49 percent of driver deaths in 1-3-year-old cars and minivans occurred in side impacts, up from 31 percent in 1980-81. During the same time, the proportion of driver deaths in frontal crashes declined from 61 to 46 percent…… Read the Rest of the Article : IIHS

Survey Motorcyclists & Physical Damage Coverage

“For many motorcycle owners, riding is more than just a recreational activity, it’s a lifestyle. Riding represents freedom, friends and fun. It’s what fuels daydreams and fills weekends.
With so much fun to be had, it’s probably not surprising that riders like you aren’t spending your time poring over your insurance policy to understand coverage nuances. That’s why the Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, the largest motorcycle insurer in the country, recently conducted a survey of more than 1,000 motorcycle owners and found that many don’t understand important information about their policies. Not knowing - and making the wrong choices - can cost you thousands if you have a claim.
The survey focused on two key facets of a motorcycle insurance policy: physical damage coverages and loss settlement types. Here’s what bikers said and what you need to know.
Physical Damage Coverages
If you’re like most bikers, you’d probably say that next to riding, customizing your motorcycle to fit your personality and riding style is the best part of having a bike. That’s why it’s so surprising that more than half (56 percent) of all the bikers surveyed don’t know how much protection for their bike’s custom parts and accessories comes with their physical damage coverage. Of the 44 percent surveyed with more than $3,000 worth of custom parts and accessories on their motorcycles, the majority of them (51 percent) didn’t purchase additional coverage. …. from Progressive Insurance
Always ask your Independent Insurance Agent about specific coverage in your Insurance Policy.Every policy is different, check your policy for specific coverage

Called Dick Watts Insurance for a no obligation Motorcycle Insurance quote at 502-245-3625.

Back to School Safety

“As summer vacations come to an end, students across the country are readying themselves for the start of a new school year. With all of the excitement this time brings, safety may not be the first subject that springs to mind. The American Red Cross encourages parents to take time to talk with their children about safety before school starts.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 24 million students nationwide start their school day with a trip on the school bus. Although NHTSA reports that riding on a school bus is nearly eight times safer than riding in a passenger vehicle, an average of 11 school-aged pedestrians are killed by school transportation vehicles each year. Whether they walk, ride the bus or travel by car, teach your kids these few tips to ensure they get to and from school safely….” Sending Students Back to School Safely

KREIA- Kentuckiana Real Estate Investors Association

The next KREIA (Kentuckiana Real Estate Investor’s Association) meeting is scheduled for Thursday July 26, 2007 . For more information about the meeting visit KREIA Calendar of Events
Call today for a free Vacant Home Insurance quote
from Dick Watts Insurance 502-245-3625
KREIA is a networking forum to educate real estate investors from the basics to the complex.

Rental-Property-Insurance.com

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Housing Market bleak outlook....

Housing Market outlook…It looks like more trouble ahead for the National Housing Market.
“NAR reported that it’s main indicator of current activity – the pending sales index – fell in May to its lowest level since September 2001. Since May 2006, the index, which reflects contracts that are set to close in the proceeding two months, has dropped 13.5 percent.

At the SEBC regional housing conference, Zandi said the market won’t hit bottom until there is a significant combination of reduced production and price cuts. ….” learn more from Realty Times

Why Should I buy LIfe Insurance

Term Life Insurance
Why Should I buy Life Insurance? ….This is a great question

Why should I buy life insurance? …

Replace income for dependents
If people depend on your income, life insurance can replace that income for them if you die. The most commonly recognized case of this is parents with young children. However, it can also apply to couples in which the survivor would be financially stricken by the income lost through the death of a partner, and to dependent adults, such as parents, siblings or adult children who continue to rely on you financially. Insurance to replace your income can be especially useful if the government- or employer-sponsored benefits of your surviving spouse or domestic partner will be reduced after your death.

Pay final expenses
Life insurance can pay your funeral and burial costs, probate and other estate administration costs, debts and medical expenses not covered by health insurance.

Create an inheritance for your heirs
Even if you have no other assets to pass to your heirs, you can create an inheritance by buying a life insurance policy and naming them as beneficiaries.

Pay federal “death” taxes and state “death” taxes
Life insurance benefits can pay estate taxes so that your heirs will not have to liquidate other assets or take a smaller inheritance. Changes in the federal “death” tax rules between now and January 1, 2011 will likely lessen the impact of this tax on some people, but some states are offsetting those federal decreases with increases in their state-level “death” taxes.

Term Life Insurance Free Quote

from Dick Watts Insurance 502-245-3625

Other Reasons to buy life insurance

from the Insurance Institute

Life Insurance

Best and Worst Home Improvements

Best and Worst Home Improvements. Which home improvements add value to your home for possible resale?…
“Before you install that custom wine cellar or bamboo flooring, it’s wise to make sure such upgrades won’t leave you in the red long-term. Fancy features such as these might not seem so essential to a buyer with different tastes.

Rather, in a market slump, sellers whose properties have the right add-ons get the highest rate of return on their investment, allowing them to move their homes faster and for more money than their neighbors…..” more Home Improvements

Nissan to recall 140,000 2007 Nissan Altimas

Nissan to recall 140,000 2007 Nissan Altimas…
“Nissan is recalling more than 140,000 of its popular Altima sedans to replace air filters that could catch fire, company officials said.
Advertisement

The voluntary recall affects 2007 Altimas with four-cylinder, 2.5-liter engines produced between September 2006 and May 2007 at Nissan’s Smyrna plant and between October 2006 and May 2007 at its Canton, Miss., plant.

The Altima is Nissan’s best-selling car, with more than 114,000 sold from January through May, and the fourth best-selling mid-sized car in the United States. ….” Insurance Journal

3 in 5 companies report employees not ready for retirment

Employees not financially ready for retirement…..

“This sentiment is reflected in America Speaks Out on Retirement: 2007 Investor Research Study (AIG SunAmerica). The survey showed 44% of boomers (defined in the study as those between 45 to 60 years old) who plan to retire by age 63 have no target retirement income goal. Many admitted they have no plans for the next 30 years after leaving the workforce.

While boomers are generally known as a generation of spenders and not savers, the AIG SunAmerica survey revealed that almost all boomers – eight out of ten of the respondents – named guaranteed lifetime income as very or extremely important….” from Insurance News
Term Life Insurance

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David Beckham's tattoos come to life for UNICEF campaign

The former footballer - who has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the charity for 10 years - has shot a one-minute film in which tattoos on his body come to life as animated scenes of abuse against kids to raise awareness of the subject.

He said: "When I launched my 7 Fund with UNICEF, I made a commitment to do everything I can to make the world a safer place for children and to speak out on issues that are having a devastating impact on children's lives.

"One of those issues is violence. Every five minutes, somewhere in the world, a child dies from violence.

"Millions more are in danger of physical, emotional and sexual abuse that could destroy their childhoods forever."

The 41-year-old star - who has sons Brooklyn, 17, Romeo, 14, and Cruz, 11, and five-year-old daughter Harper with wife Victoria Beckham - recalled hearing about horrific child abuse when he was in Cambodia last year.

He added: "I visited Cambodia with UNICEF where I met and listened to children tell me about terrible violence they have experienced.

"I was shocked by what I heard and I saw how violence can leave deep and lasting scars. No child should have to endure this.

"Yet in all corners of the world, in their homes, schools and on their streets, children are suffering similar violence.

"I hope this new project will draw attention to this urgent issue and inspire action. Violence against children is wrong and together we need to end it."

David launched 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund in February 2015 to campaign against child abuse.