Top 10 Sink Hole Counties in Florida

Check out this list of the top 10 counties in Florida with the most sinkhole claims. Find out which counties require more precaution when driving according to the RiskMeter Online Service. The state also reported that the cost of sinkhole claims is on the rise. Learn more in the article below...

The list is based on information from the company’s RiskMeter’s sinkhole database and its sinkhole clearinghouse, which the company says contains more than 12,000 sinkholes not available from public sources. Sinkhole losses have been on the rise the last few years in Florida. According to a report by the state, 211 property insurers responded that claims increased from 2,360 in 2006 to 6,694 in 2010, totaling 24,671 claims. The total dollar amount of those claims was approximately $1.4 billion.

— Insurance Journal

Court Ruling on Obamacare Subsidies

Obamacare is facing yet another obstacle. Courts recently ruled against Obamacare subsidies for Federal Exchange insureds. This ruling may impact over 8 million people. This article breaks down the recent ruling on Obamacare. Find out more in the article below...

President Barack Obama’s healthcare overhaul suffered a potentially crippling blow as a U.S. appeals court ruled the government can’t give financial assistance to anyone buying coverage on the insurance marketplace run by federal authorities. The decision, if it withstands appeals, may deprive more than half the people who signed up for Obamacare the tax credits they need to buy a health plan. The way Congress wrote the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act makes clear that the subsidy is available only to consumers who bought plans on state-run exchanges, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington ruled today.

— Andrew Zajac

Earthquake Hazard Maps Reveal High Risks for Some States

Are you prepared for natural disasters? Recently updated earthquake hazard maps show sixteen states at an alarming risk of severe earthquake activity in the next fifty years. Find out which states are at risk and what they can do to prepare for the earthquakes in advance.

The western United States faces a high risk of damaging earthquakes up and down the coast and in the intermountain region, the report said. The California cities of San Jose, Vallejo and San Diego all saw a heightened threat, as new fault lines have been recently discovered, the report said. The cities of Irvine, Santa Barbara and Oakland had their threats downgraded however, the report said.

— Curtis Skinner

Should I Lock My Insurance Policies in a Safe Deposit Box?

Sometimes close family members and friends can unintentionally steer us in the wrong direction. When it comes to your personal finances seeking counsel from a professional is always recommended. Your dear old uncle's financial advice for insurance may be a bit outdated or behind the bar on regulations and current trends. How many of these common money myths have you heard before?

1-Lock up all insurance policies and other important documents in a safe deposit box 

Do not keep your life insurance policy in a safe deposit box. If yours is the only name on the safe deposit box, no one but the executor of your will can get into it without Power of Attorney. If your life insurance policy is locked in there, your beneficiaries will have to wait until the estate is opened by a government entity and an executor is appointed. If you want the assurance of having important documents locked up, buy a fire-safe box.

Amy Paturel

Smart Planning for Your Summer Vacation

Many families plan for summer vacation long before the summer's arrival.  This article offers great advice for financially preparing for a great summer vacation. Get ready to rev up a great summer vacation without derailing your budget.

Traveling to your dream destination this summer (or fall) doesn’t have to be a budget buster. We have strategies to save on every aspect of your vacation, from airfare to lodging to entertainment. You’ll keep enough cash to upgrade to a more comfortable experience, or at least come home with a few dollars still in your wallet. Here’s how to save on four different dream getaways: a romantic trip abroad for two, a volunteer vacation, a family reunion and an adventure cruise. 

— Susannah Snider

Commercial Auto Insurance

Commercial auto insurance provides comprehensive protection for bodily injury and property damage caused by company-owned vehicles, as well as non-owned vehicles, used for the business. Be sure to read the fine print, because not all insurance companies will disclose the hidden components of the policy up front. To learn more about commercial auto insurance visit our online resource center.

Why Homeowner's Insurance is Important

Homeowner's Insurance

As one of the most prized possessions of your life, your home needs insurance coverage that protects you from all types of unforeseen and/or unfortunate events. A traditional homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover all natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. If you reside in a high-risk area, you should seriously consider comprehensive coverage. Learn more about the ins and outs of homeowner's insurance with our online insurance resource.