Monthly Archives: May 2014

Making Smart Insurance Decisions

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW RESOURCES HELP CONSUMERS MAKE SMART INSURANCE      DECISIONS WHEN IT MATTERS MOST — BEFORE A CRISIS OCCURS

  Get Ready resource kits help consumers get smart about insurance during major life event planning

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 22, 2014) — Spring not only brings warmer temperatures and sunnier days, but also a sense of renewal. For some, wedding bells will soon ring and tax refunds will finance new cars. When making such important life decisions, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) cautions consumers to take the time now, before a major purchase or life change, to fully protect themselves from the unexpected. The NAIC developed Get Ready resources to help consumers do just that.  “All too often, people only think about their insurance when something bad happens and they need to file a claim or lodge a complaint,” said Adam Hamm, NAIC President and North Dakota Insurance Commissioner. “We developed Get Ready resource kits to help consumers make informed insurance decisions when it matters most, before a crisis occurs. The kits include useful tools to help jumpstart potentially difficult yet crucial conversations related to important life events.”  While insurance needs vary greatly from person to person, the NAIC has identified several common situations during which it is especially important to be diligent. Get Ready resource kits are tailored to address the most pressing questions associated with key life decisions, like getting married or buying a car. Kits include challenging questions to ask, eye-opening statistics and Take Action Now checklists of simple things to do today to avoid unpleasant surprises tomorrow. Additionally, resource kits are supported by related videos,    infographics, downloadable apps and interactive games to help make insurance education fun.  Examples of challenging questions include:

Planning a wedding:

  • How might our  individual credit and legal histories impact our combined financial future?
  • Beyond rent or mortgage payments, have we budgeted correctly for our living arrangements?
  • Are there any special financial issues in either of our medical histories?

Buying a car:

  • Beyond the sale price, what other costs should I keep in mind before buying a new car?
  • What are my responsibilities if my car is involved in an accident?
  • How do I protect myself in the event my car is vandalized and someone steals my personal belongings?

Choosing a new home:

  • Beyond the sale price, what other costs should I consider before buying a house?
  • How would I handle the financial burden of an unexpected disaster affecting my home?
  • What are the financial pros and cons of operating a home-based business?

Get Ready resource kits for planning a wedding, or buying a car or home are available now at www.InsureUOnline.org.  Additional resource kits will be published this summer. Consumers interested in insurance information specific to where they live can contact their state insurance commissioner.

About the NAICThe National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is the U.S. standard-setting and regulatory support organization created and governed  by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer review, and coordinate their regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally. NAIC members, together with the central resources of the NAIC, form the national system of state-based insurance regulation in the U.S. For more information, visit www.naic.org.Fairfield Home Inventory, LLC – Be Prepared…Take Inventory Before Disaster Strikes!

Re-printed with permission from the NAIC