With the official start of hurricane season only a few days away, coastal residents need to make sure that they are properly prepared for the above average hurricane season predicted for 2008, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

The 2008 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 a 63 percent probability that hurricane activity in 2008 will be in the top one-third of years historically. Colorado State University forecasters William Gray and Philip Klotzbach predict that there will be 15 storms in all (9.6 is the average), including eight hurricanes and four storms that could reach "major" status with Category 3 winds or higher. Experts at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center are projecting a 65 percent chance that the Atlantic Hurricane Season will be above normal this season-suggesting that more active and intense hurricane seasons will continue to be the trend.

To prepare for a hurricane and other disasters, the I.I.I. recommends the following five tips:

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), this is what you should expect if you have an accident:

Rental Cars - If your car was damaged as result of another driver's negligence, the other driver's company should pay your rental car costs for a reasonable length of repair time. If the car is totaled, many companies pay for your rental as a courtesy, but they are not required to do so.

If you are filing a claim with your own insurance company, the cost of a rental car will only be covered if you paid a premium to include rental reimbursement coverage in your policy. Most polices have a dollar limit for rental payments, so check your policy if you have questions.

Uninsured Drivers - f an uninsured driver caused the accident, then your insurance company will pay for damage to your vehicle if you have collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage. If your damage is repaired under your collision coverage - be aware you will still have to pay a deductible.

Repairs - Even if your adjuster recommends a specific body shop, you can choose to have your car repaired at a body shop of your choice. To avoid any confusion, be sure to notify the adjuster which shop you would like to repair your car, before any of the work is done.

If Your Car is Total Loss - If the damage to your car is extensive, and the adjuster determines the cost to repair your car is greater than the value of your car, the insurance company may want to total your car. When this happens, your insurance company has the option to take the title to your vehicle when it issues payment on your claim.

The company will use the Blue Book as a guide to valuing the car. The company is required to pay what your vehicle was actually worth at the moment before the crash. The adjuster will check to see what a car like yours (same make, model and year) is worth in your general geographic area.

It's also a good idea for you to independently research the value before agreeing to a settlement.

Ramifications to Filing a Claim -An accident filed with your insurance company may cause your rates to rise. Premium increases are more likely when the accident is your fault; however, a company may also raise your premiums if you have more than one not-at-fault accident within a policy period. If you have questions about a rate increase following a claim, contact your state insurance department.

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If you're planning a summer road trip, it's crucial to review your auto insurance before you hit the road. In case you're involved in an accident, it's also important to know what happens when you file a claim. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers these tips for consumers planning summer travel.

Before Leaving on Vacation

o Make sure you have your insurance identification card in the car.

o Double check that phone numbers for your insurance company and agent are listed on the identification card. If not, make note of these numbers to keep with your i.d. card.

If You're in an Accident

o Remain calm.

o Check for any injuries and administer first aid if necessary.

o Telephone the proper authorities and inform them of any injuries. Regardless of the circumstances, report the accident to the police.

o Record the name, address and phone number of the other driver. Always write down the make and license number of all vehicles involved.

o Collect the names, addresses and phone numbers of all passengers and witnesses.

o Take photos of the accident scene if possible.

o Do not admit fault.

o Ask the investigating officer how to obtain a copy of the police report.

o Notify your agent or insurance company immediately.

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Nationwide Insurance recently released its second annual DWD (Driving While Distracted) study, which found that, while 98 percent of Americans claim to be safe drivers, a vast majority also admit to DWD. More than four out of five cell-phone owners are guilty of talking on their phones while driving, and nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of all drivers admit to partaking in some form of distracting behavior while driving, from cell phone use to eating. Further, almost 80 percent have been in a vehicle with distracted drivers and more than 40 percent have been hit or almost hit by another driver who was talking on a cell phone while driving.

The survey found that the prevalence of DWD can be attributed to technology and our societal mindset to be available at all times.

Too Much Technology

• Nearly half (48 percent) considered cell phones and other technology use to be the most dangerous distraction.

• Availability of technology was cited by 35 percent as the reason DWD is so common today. Use of technology extends beyond speaking on the phone to text messages and e-mail.

• Nearly 40 percent of teens and Gen Yers who own cell phones admit to texting while driving, which requires additional visual, cognitive and manual attention.

Too Much Pressure

• Almost two-thirds of drivers who own cell phones said their colleagues, friends and family expect them to be available by cell or other electronic communication devices at all times.

• Our current societal mindset and busy, on-the-go lifestyles were cited by 35 percent as the reason why people drive distracted. Specifically, multitasking was cited by 22 percent and having too much to do and too little time was cited by 30 percent.

I addition to multitasking, the survey found DWD is growing in prevalence simply to stay connected socially. Nearly half of teens and Gen Y cited staying connected socially as a reason for driving while distracted.

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Interview with LegalZoom Part 1

This podcast is brought to you by AccuQuote, a leading provider of term life insurance quotes. In part one of a two-part series, AccuQuote will talk about the various types of wills and living trusts and discuss their uses with Chas Rampenthal, General Council for LegalZoom.

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Size- 9.27MB

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Yesterday we talked about a few ways other than raising your deductible that are good for lowering the cost of your home insurance premiums, an unavoidable and often hefty budgetary expense. With the economy in the state it is, it's always nice to be able to find a way to save a few dollars when you can.

Yesterday we talked about how home renovations and property upgrades, disaster preparedness measures and security and protection installations can lower your premiums. Here are a few more.

* Central monitoring stations. Just like the stations that are notified when you have a security system or burglar alarm installed in your home, central monitoring station can also perform other tasks around the house like automatically turning on and off outside lights or detect a water leak or if the temperature is low enough to freeze the pipes and shut off the water if you're away.

* Modernize plumbing and electrical systems. Updating your plumbing and electrical systems open up credit possibilities just like other home improvements and property upgrades, but even more so. These two systems are so important that these upgrades can often lead to larger credits than other home improvements.

* Repeat business. If you've been a customer of one company for a long time, you may be eligible for a discount. Also, if the same company provides you with your home insurance and car insurance, you may again be eligible for a lower premium.

The bottom line is that if you are eligible for discounts, you won't know until you ask. Find out what your provider offers in the way of credits and lower your home insurance premium today.

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If you're looking for a way to cut costs around the house, it could start with re-examining your home insurance policy. We all know that raising the deductible is one way to lower the amount of your premium payments, but there are other ways to go about it as well: discounts.

Pete Spicer is the vice president and new product manager for Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. He says, "People are really looking in every nook and cranny, if you will, for possible savings. Credits can really add up and become substantial."

Here are a few credits that you might consider:

* Home improvements and property upgrades. If you've renovated your house in the last 10 years, you may be eligible for as much as 10 percent off the price of their premium. The more recent the renovation, the higher the discount.

* Disaster preparedness. Storm shutters, shatterproof glass, an automatic seismic shut-off valve to protect gas lines, a backup generator, a wind-resistant roof-all of these can get you between 3 percent and 20 percent off on your home insurance depending on where you live.

* Security and protection. Depending on what kind you get, a security system can get you a hefty discount but smaller credits for things like smoke detectors, burglar alarms, deadbolt locks, sprinklers for your fire alarm, a burglar alarm that calls the police or other monitoring station, and you may be in for a premium reduction of as much as 15 or 20 percent, according to the institute.

Different companies offer different credits, so ask your agent what's available. If your company isn't giving you the opportunity to save money, it might be time to shop around for a new policy.

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Many people are turning to the internet to find auto insurance, life insurance and even health insurance. When it comes to life insurance, there are several "quote services" on the Internet. What people don't realize is that my competitors and I sell the exact same products for the exact same price because life insurance is regulated by the government. So, what does that mean for you?

When shopping around using the internet to do price comparisons keep a few things in mind:

o Most of these services merely list the plans in order of their premium, or cost. Obviously, the least expensive plans appear at the top.

o Unfortunately depending on your health, family history and even driving record to name a few, you may not qualify for the least expensive rate only to find out months later after you've applied for it.

So, what can you do to make sure you find the best life insurance rate? Talk to an insurance agent that deals with multiple carriers to help you figure out the actual availability of the products for YOU, taking into consideration your complete health and lifestyle profile. Once you have all the facts, it will be easier to make an informed decision.

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Newsday's Tom Incantalupo reported recently that an insurance research group is saying the two new safety systems available in luxury cars soon have the potential to save lives. These safety measures are the new lane departure warnings and collision avoidance systems.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the two systems in question might have prevented or significantly reduced the impact of more than 2.75 million crashes in the United States every year. Of these, more than 17,500 resulted in fatalities.

How It Works

Collision avoidance is a feature already available in a number of models already on the street. They work by using radar to detect when the car is coming too close to another object. When detected, the driver is warned with tightened seatbelts and flashing lights or alarms.

The lane departure warning is also available in certain models. These work by visually or audibly alerting the driver is the vehicle veers out of its lane. Some use a video camera while others vibrate the steering wheel and one applies the brake to one wheel to help coax the vehicle back into its lane.

Other Safety Systems Available

Certain other safety systems are common in cars these days and go a long way toward providing safety on the roads. According to Newsday, these include "the "brake assist" systems that detect and augment panic braking; "adoptive" headlamps whose beams turn slightly with the steering wheel; and "blind spot detection," which warns drivers of vehicles in adjacent lanes that are not in the driver's field of vision or visible through outside rearview mirrors."

Better safety systems ultimately mean lower rates on car insurance as well as the benefits of a safer ride. And that's good news, too!

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Yesterday, we began a conversation about home inspection in the event of an earthquake. Our focus in the first post was on pre-earthquake assessment and preparation. Today, we'll talk about how to go about handling the earthquake itself: both the few minutes it lasts and the period of time directly following the rumble.

People Come First

If someone was injured in the earthquake, help them before doing anything else. Safety is key and you may need to contact emergency medical services. Stay away from damaged areas and keep children away from them as well. Wait for emergency vehicles and personnel to come and help you if you are stuck, and help elderly neighbors, those who are disabled and infants if they need assistance. If first aid is necessary, give it. Don't move anyone who is seriously injured.

Leaks

Leaks are a common effect of earthquakes and easily overlooked due to their subtlety. Check plumbing and pipes; hose connections at your water heater, dishwasher, washer and dryer; and freon levels in your air conditioner. Even small gas and water leaks can wreak havoc in your home and to personal belongings stored nearby.

If you find a water leak, turn off the water to the house. If you find a gas leak, get out of the house immediately and call the gas company.

Aftershocks

The first, big earthquake will likely cause the most serious damage but aftershocks can be dangerous as well. A home already weakened by the first quake can crumble due to an aftershock so don't stand near or stay in unsecure structures after the first earthquake passes.

Pay Attention

You may be in shock or scared after the earthquake passes, but it's important that you stay aware of your surroundings to protect yourself. Stay inside if your home is stable and avoid the downed power lines and broken glass that will likely be outside. Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Listen to a battery- or crank-operated hand radio or television to get the emergency information. Open your cabinets and closet doors carefully in case the objects inside have shifted. If you live on a coast, be aware that tsunamis are a possibility.

Insurance

Insurance should be your last concern directly after an earthquake. However, after things calm down, insurance should be one of the first things you take care of. Go back to yesterday's post and re-check all the things that you took care of before the quake. Measure cracks, take pictures, make notes, catalogue all items broken during the disaster and fill out your insurance report as completely as possible to speed up your claim.

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Insurance is so far from our minds most of the time that it often takes a natural disaster to remind us that we need to protect ourselves. Unfortunately, after the disaster, it is usually too late. But whether or not you have earthquake insurance coverage, it is imperative that you do a home inspection walkthrough before an earthquake occurs and assess the current state of your home for insurance purposes as well as safety. If you have an insurance policy that covers earthquakes, take a camera and a notepad with you for documentation purposes and go over your contract so you know the specifics of your coverage.

Cracks

If there are cracks in walls, ceilings or in the foundation of your home, you should fill it with sealant if you haven't already. Hold up a ruler next to it and the date and take a picture so that if an earthquake causes it to worsen, the insurance adjuster can determine just how much by taking a picture of the changes. A special note: if you see a crack in your chimney, have it inspected by a professional chimney sweep as it can cause a number of problems in addition to inviting trouble in the event of an earthquake.

Hoses and Connections

Water softeners, basement or garage sinks, hot water tanks, and washer and dryer connections have a tendency to come loose over time because they are so rigid. Replacing old connections with the newer, more flexible versions can help you avoid flooding and leaks in the event of an earthquake. In the same way, check the stability of air conditioners as well to make sure that you won't have a freon leak if the worst occurs.

Shelving

Whether it's a tall bookcase in the living room, small decorative shelves in the bedroom, a mantle or utility shelving in the garage, make sure that no large objects are placed precariously overhead. For larger bookshelves and armoires, it is recommended that you attach them to the wall they stand in front of to help keep them from toppling. Breakable items on your shelves are also at risk.

Stay tuned for part two tomorrow!

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AccuQuote is based right outside of Chicago . We've had a larger than normal amount of snow fall this winter and spring is starting off to be wet as well.

Melting snow and rains are already causing flooding across the country and if you own a business, you should make sure you have flood insurance.

According to theInsurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), standard business insurance policies provide coverage for disasters such as fire, lightning, hurricanes and winter-related damage including burst pipes, but flood damage is not included. Flood insurance is available through the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). To purchase flood insurance, your business must be located in a community that participates in the NFIP. Fortunately, most communities do participate and flood insurance is readily available.

Coverage limits for a standard flood policy are $500,000 for the business structure and $500,000 for the business contents; coverage for structure and contents is provided on an actual cash value basis (i.e., the replacement cost of an insured item at the time of loss, less the value of depreciation). Deductibles range from $500 to $1,000, depending on the policy you buy. Generally, if you buy a policy for a business located inside a floodplain (any area susceptible to being inundated by floodwaters), the deductible is $1,000, unless mitigation measures have been taken to protect the building.

Bottomline: It's all about risk management. Protect your business just in case.

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Whether you choose to purchase insurance from the rental car provider or from your trusted agent is up to you. But don't drive away without some type of coverage to protect you from liability.

Savvy shoppers know not to go to the grocery store without a list, otherwise you'll end up buying things you don't need and spending money when you don't have to. The same is true when you rent a car to use for a few days while on vacation.

Drivers who have comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal policies can usually forgo collision damage waivers. If your auto insurance already offers liability protection, you can probably afford to skip the liability insurance, too. Personal accident insurance should be purchased separately only if you are not sufficiently covered by your auto or health insurance. And personal effects coverage is generally not required if you already have renters or homeowners insurance.

What if your current auto policy doesn't provide rental car coverage? You can always request to add an insurance "rider" at a cheaper rate than purchasing coverage from the rental company. Also, many credit cards now offer secondary collision and theft protection, which kicks in after all other insurance has been exhausted.

Keep in mind, though, personal policies may not apply if you're traveling on business, or if you rent for more than a week. A quick review of your coverage ahead of time can keep you from spending money on something you don't need, or worse, refusing coverage for something you really do need.

Floods threaten homes from coast to coast - and they can happen anytime, anywhere and without warning. The damage from a flood is not covered under a standard homeowners policy. Before snowmelt and spring rains bring the potential for flooding, the NAIC suggests all homeowners and renters review their flood insurance needs.

A lot of people get confused when it comes to insurance terms. At AccuQuote, we have a comprehensive glossary for life insurance terms. AOL had posted this glossary of auto insurance terms. If you're confused about what the term "no fault" or "liability" means, then this is the place to go.