Insurance World

When looking for homeowners insurance in the state of Arizona there are a few things you should keep in mind:

How much to buy: Keeping in mind that the purpose of insurance is to transfer risk, you need to adequately protect your assets in the event of a catastrophic loss. You should insure your home for its proper value for maximum protection. Your house is a major investment, don’t scrimp on protecting it. Additionally, your mortgage company may have a set of insurance requirements you must adhere to.

Coverages: Know the difference between All Risk and Named Peril coverage. All risk is broader and will cover all risks subject to policy exclusions. On the other hand, Named Perils will cover only the perils named (i.e., fire, lightening, windstorm). All risk may cost a little more, but it’s worth it to protect your home.

Valuation: To protect our investment, replacement cost coverage pays the amount it will take to replace your home with the same kind and/or quality. Actual Cash value depreciates the purchase price of your home. ACV premiums may be cheaper, but replacement cost will return your home to it’s pre-loss value.

Rates: Rates are affect by factors such as:

· Type of construction: frame houses usually cost more than brick houses to insure.

· Age of house: Newer homes may qualify for discounts that older homes may not be privy to.

· Fire Protection: How far is your house from a fire hydrant or a fire department? The availability of water in the event of a fire is also taken into consideration when determining rate.

· Deductible: The higher the deductible you can withstand, the more of a premium discount you’ll enjoy

If you would like more information, or if you have a complaint you may contact the Arizona Department of Insurance

Consumers Affairs Division
2910 North 44th Street
Suite 210
Phoenix, Arizona 85018-7256

A growing number of colleges and universities have instituted a new requirement-student insurance.

However, when they attempt to comply, some students find that the insurance plan offered by their college may be less than adequate or that they are no longer eligible for coverage under their parents’ health plan. Others find that their school is outside the HMO or PPO region or their parents’ plan.

An alternative is purchasing insurance coverage through a plan designed specifically for college students.

When selecting such a plan, it’s wise to compare the cost of a college-sponsored plan against other policies and to find one that’s really designed to fit a student’s lifestyle. You might be surprised to learn that a college-sponsored plan isn’t necessarily the most affordable or comprehensive coverage available. What’s more, the plan should accommodate travel and stay in place should a student transfer to another school. Also, the coverage should be in place year-round, not just during the school year, and be priced to fit a student’s budget.

Experts say one policy that fits these criteria is Student Select from Assurant Health. This permanent, renewable, individual medical insurance plan is designed specifically for college students under the age of 30. Students must be under the age of 30 when they apply but they can keep renewing the plan when they are no longer in college and keep it up to the age of 65.

Since the policy is not an HMO plan, you can visit the doctor or hospital of your choice. No referrals are needed, no non-network penalties are incurred.

The plan can be paid for on an annual or semiannual basis. The company offers two convenient payment methods of credit card or personal check. Both the annual and semiannual payment options are available with the credit card payment method.

If you are not satisfied with the plan, you can return the contract within 10 days of delivery for a refund. If a cancellation request is received after the 10-day period, a prorated refund will be provided as described in the contract.