Insurance World

There are some jobs that you know are high risk: firefighting, construction work, military service. What people don’t realize is that some jobs can put you at risk for microscopic toxic substances that damage the respiratory system, silently yet steadily, and by the time you’ve discovered that you’re sick, you’re already been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Look at the odds: 150,000 people develop lung cancer a year, and 15% of those are from people who had been exposed to chemical substances (asbestos, silica dust, radon, and environmental pollutants) while they were at work. If you are in any of the following occupations, you should take out disability insurance. It gives the assurance that if you do get sick because of your job, and have to take weeks and months off for treatment, you’ll be properly prepared. In fact, disability insurance will often replace up to 80% of your gross income, tax-free. It’s money when you need it most—when medical bills are high, and you no longer have your job to pay them.

Shipbuilders are exposed to fiberglass, which have been linked to a higher incidence of cancer. While most manufacturers insist that they’re safe, lab tests and statistics say otherwise. In fact, this evidence has been available for over twenty years, but no laws monitor exposure to fiberglass materials. Some shipbuilders are also exposed to asbestos, another toxic substance that has been banned by some countries.

Asbestos was used in pipe insulation, making pipefitters (especially those who have been working on it before the 1980’s) at risk for asbestos inhalation. Asbestos clings to the lungs, causing lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Pipe fitters are also at high risk to benzene exposure. Benzene is a carcinogen that has been linked to lung cancer. The same problem plagues anyone who has worked in any job related to insulation.

Tile workers who mount ceiling and floor tiles and other shock-absorbing materials are exposed to high levels of dust. This can cause respiratory diseases, asthma, and lung cancer. The dust can also irritate the eye and skin, and make it susceptible to infections.

Welders and Refinery Workers are exposed everyday to a toxic mix of carcinogens like benzene, poisonous fibers, and gases. This profession has a high rate of reported cases of cancer, aside from physical injuries that can result from working with very sharp objects and hot metals. Sanders face the same problem, inhaling silica dust and noxious fumes. These gases can all scar the lungs, and trigger mesothelioma and lung cancer. Protective gear helps, but since the substances are in the air and are not fully filtered out, just breathing puts you at risk.

You may love your job, or you may not have the option to quit. However, you need a safety net. Since you are exposed to known chemical hazards (even if you can’t see them) it is necessary to take out disability insurance so you or your family will not suffer from financial problems if and when you do get sick.

With all this traveling in and out, back and forth around the maze that is the United States infrastructure, its easy to understand why auto insurance is required in order to own an operate a car. For car buyers, an effort needs to be made on the part of insurance companies to provide information on the different types of auto insurance available. These include bodily injury and liability, collision, comprehensive, full glace, liability, medical coverage, personal injury protection, and underinsured or uninsured motorist.

Liability insurance coverage is imperative to have as a driver. This insurance covers any injuries or damages to property that may occur during an accident. Two types of liability include bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance.

Medical insurance is different in that it focuses on the driver and passengers of the car. This will cover any medical treatment for the driver and the passengers. In addition, the medical insurance may or may not offer disability insurance and pain and suffering compensation.

Uninsured or under-insured drivers insurance will pay any costs that you or your passengers may experience if an accident should occur with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured.

Collision insurance deals with the cost of damage caused by a collision to your car that may affect the book value. Comprehensive deals more with damage caused by vandalism, natural disasters, theft or other kinds of damage.

There are several other types of car insurance. These include glass replacement insurance, towing insurance etc. These types of insurance are often not required and are not popular as they are often costly.

Now that you know what types of car insurance are out there, the next step is to find a credible insurance agent. The first place to investigate this is through family and friends. Referrals will help you sort those agents that you want to investigate further. You will want to speak with several different agents before you make your final decisions. Ask any and all questions you may have. That is what the agent is there for.