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Thursday 19 May 2011

How to Assess the Private Hire Insurance Plan

By Roul Arijit

Look at the reputation of the provider

There are some providers who have been able to build a great reputation depending on their accident management package. For example they might provide you with legal expenses cover if you have a private hire insurance contract with them. As a general rule you should attempt to work with providers that have a good reputation. They will have something to lose if the reputation is not maintained. Therefore you are likely to get a good service from them.

Consider the costing model that has been used

Try to work with a provider who is making efforts to control the costs of the package. If you are not happy with any aspect of the provision then you can always find an alternative. It is through these measures that you will be able to find a good deal that is also sustainable. Do not accept shortcuts on the costs. The product that you are being given has to meet your needs in terms of coverage for the vehicles that you are using to earn a living. That is the gist of private hire insurance provision.

Make sure that all your requirements are met

There are various private hire insurance companies which will advertise low costs but when you look at the exclusion clauses then it will become fairly clear that you have not received a good deal. Make sure that you only work with companies that are willing to provide you with full coverage and yet not hold back on the essential aspects of the package. This will ensure that your business is not being put at risk by the choices that you have made. In addition it will give you competitive advantage in the long run.

Check out the customer care provisions

A good private hire insurance company should have an adequate customer care policy. Read the reviews which are left by the previous users so that you can get some perspective on the type of service that you are likely to receive. If you have any doubt then you need to find alternatives pretty quickly so that your provision is not compromised in any way. The customer care will be very important if you are looking to make a claim or when you have a query with any aspect concerning the package that you have been provided with.

Consider any exclusion terms in the insurance policy

The exclusion clauses in the private hire insurance policy will tell you about the things that you can expect from the provider and those aspects that are not covered. Try to work with a provider that has wide credentials. They need to be fairly flexible about the type of package that they are going to give you so that you are not left behind during the planning process. In addition you need to ensure that the exclusion terms are fair so that you are not left with the raw end of the deal at the end of the day when you start to make claims.

Garagekeepers Legal Liability Vs Garagekeepers Primary Liability Insurance

By Jacky Mendez

There are certain commonalities and dissimilarities between garage insurance and garagekeeper liability coverage. The key commonality, and possibly the only similarity, is that the two coverages are needed in the establishments that are associated with using vehicles. The dissimilarities are several, and to understand the differences we will begin with defining both terms.

Garage Liability. This is necessary to provide protection for bodily injury and property damage resulting from garage activities. Garage operations refer to actions connected with ownership, maintenance, and use of sites for garaging businesses. Garage Liability encompasses two major coverages:

1. Garage Liability - Covered Auto: This is probably the most critical coverage that a garage businesses must have. Garages have different auto liability exposure, and for that reason they must have to have different types of insurance. The insurance division came with a Symbol System for Auto Liability. This is a brief overview:

* SYMBOL 21 = Any Auto. This is the most broad symbol where coverage applies to any auto.
* SYMBOL 22 = All Owned Autos. Coverage under this code applies to any and all autos that are owned by the establishment, including trailers that are pulled by the owned autos.
* SYMBOL 23 = Owned Private Passenger Autos Only. Coverage affiliated with this symbol includes all owned private passenger automobiles.
* SYMBOL 24 = Owned Autos Other Than Private Passenger Autos Only. Coverage here applies to other than private passenger type vehicles owned by an insured, including trailers pulled by an owned automobiles.
* SYMBOL 25 = Owned Autos Subject to No Fault. This symbol is relevant to any auto which is owned by an insured in any no-fault jurisdictions.
* SYMBOL 26 = Owned Autos Subject To A Compulsory Uninsured Motorist Law. This applies to any auto that is owned by the insured in states where uninsured motorists is a compulsory coverage.
* SYMBOL 27 = Specifically Described Autos. Coverage is applicable to only certain autos that are specifically scheduled on the policy.
* SYMBOL 28 = Hired Autos Only. Coverage applies to vehicles that the insured leases, hires, rents, or borrows from any one who is not an officer, owner or employee of the business.
* SYMBOL 29 = Non Owned Autos Only. Coverage applies to vehicles that the insured does not own, lease, hire, rent, or borrow, but that are used in the business. This includes automobiles owned by own partners, staff, or any members of the business while these vehicles are used in the business transactions.
* SYMBOL 30 = Autos Left for Service/Repair/Storage. This applies to autos which are left at auto service businesses for maintenance or repair.
* SYMBOL 31 = Autos on Consignment. Coverage applies to any and all vehicles left at the location of the insured for sale based on consignment basis. This does not apply to autos left at car dealers.

2. Garage Liability - Other Than Covered Auto: This incorporates features of the Commercial General Liability, other than automobile liability. CGL coverages such as premises (ie slip and fall) are usually insured here.

Garagekeepers Liability Insurance. This is physical damage coverage on customers' automobiles that are left in the custody of the insured for repair or servicing. The coverage options are collision, comprehensive (any thing other than collision), specified causes of loss (fire, lightning, or explosion; theft; or mischief or vandalism).

Garagekeepers can be included as primary or legal. Garagekeepers Legal Liability (also called Garagekeepers Direct Excess, coverage applies to losses in excess of the vehicle owner's coverage. To put it differently, the policy will pay after the client's vehicle policy pays, and only if the insured is legally responsible for the damage of the vehicle. Garagekeepers Primary Liability (also referred to as Garagekeepers Direct Primary,) the garage insured would share the loss with the auto owner's insurer, regardless of who is at fault. Garagekeepers Primary Liability allows for more protection for garages.

Businesses Needing Garage Liability. The following are instances of businesses that need garage liability:

Towing Operations, Car Dealers, Mechanic Shops, Auto Body Shops, Valet Parking, Lube Shops, Car Washes, or any businesses that deal in the trade or service of with automobiles industries.

Author is member of Insurance Navy, a Chicago leader of business and auto insurance. You can get information about cheap vehicle insurance or information about Harvey Illinois auto insurance by visiting company's website.

Hit Upon Half-Priced Insurance Quotes

By Cheryl Weisz

Insurance quotes sites have been helping consumers across America get a US insurance quote from competing insurers to save time and money. They present unbiased instant insurance quotes to a customer and keep their focus on finding the lowest insurance rates for their valued consumers.

Opt for a website that asks you to fill out one easy application and, in return, provide you with several instant quotes from various insurers. An insurance quote site, which is not an insurer, aims to provide you with referrals free of cost, and not sell you their policies.

Insurance quotes providers can help by instantly procuring the rates of over 100 insurance firms in a one-stop shopping environment. Users complete a simple online questionnaire, answering the same basic questions queried by most insurance agents and brokers.

You do not have to complete multiple applications, visit dozens of sites, or pay any application fees. You can make all your comparison-shopping for insurance quotes right in front of your computer for free.

If you are interested in obtaining the charge presented, the site lets you connect with a member of their network who can provide the rate quoted, without any obligations.

This is ideal for those who do not have the time to go to an insurer's office. Evaluate cheap insurance quotes right here, right now.

There are free online insurance rate comparison services that direct consumers to the insurance companies and professionals with the lowest rates on insurance. Once the consumer communicates with the insurance agent or broker, they are able to confirm parts of the quote and receive up to speed advice regarding their insurance needs.

You can pinch more pennies on your insurance with their top money saving ideas. You will get down pat how you can minimize your risk in the eyes of US insurance companies and benefit from lower premiums.

American consumers can make substantial savings by using quotes websites to find low cost insurance rates. They weigh against more than 100 insurers to help you find an affordable insurance policy that offers the level of cover you need.

Quotes on the internet deliver US assurance quotes in the fastest, most efficient way. All the same, be wary of a quote site, which is run by agents and brokers and provide you with just one quote for filling out a time-consuming application.

The rates charged by assurance companies for the exact same policy can differ by hundreds and thousands of dollars that is why it pays to look around. However, shopping around by initiating dozens of phone calls could be time consuming, and agents and brokers can only impart you with quotes from a particular number of assurance companies they sell for, typically no more than four or five.

Claim Settlement Record of Insurance Companies

By Shankar P Nath

An insurance contract between the insurance company and the insured is one of trust. The moment of truth in this relationship appears when there is a claim by the insured (in the case of a non life policy) or by the dependents (in the case of a life insurance claim). Till that moment comes, everything is hunky dory- premiums are being paid regularly by the clients, and the company is only too happy receiving them. However, the moment a claim appears, an insurance company proceeds to evaluate the claim closely, as every claim paid out is an expense for the company, hurting profitability. Thus, there is a basic conflict here: the insured wants the maximum claim to be paid, while the insurer would like to reduce the claims outflow to the extent possible.

From a customer's point of view, it is very important to study the claims settlement history of a life insurance or a general assurance company before deciding to purchase an insurance policy from that company. During the sales process, the sales representatives will be all sugar and honey so that the prospective customer signs up. But the fact of the matter is that if the insurer you are considering has a bad history of claims settlement, there is a high probability that you will face a claim rejection or reduction when the time comes for you to file a claim.

We had a close look at the claim settlement data of the various Indian insurance sector. This is what that data tells us:

LIFE INSURANCE: Apr '09-Mar '10, Claims paid as a percentage of claims filed

LIC 96.54%

Private 84.88%

Total 95.24%

LIFE INSURANCE: Apr '09-Mar '10, Claims refused as a percentage of claims filed

LIC 1.21%

Private 7.6%

Total 1.93%

NON LIFE INSURANCE:Apr '09- Mar '10, Claims paid as a percentage of claims filed

For Fire insurance, 81% of the claims filed were paid by the 4 public sector general insurance companies while 73% of the claims filed with the private sector companies were paid

For Marine insurance, 76% of the claims filed were paid by the 4 public sector general insurance companies while 83% of the claims filed with the private general insurance companies were paid

For Motor insurance, 88% of the claims filed were paid by the 4 public sector general insurance companies while 80% of the claims filed with the private general insurance companies were paid.

For Health insurance too, a higher percentage of claims were paid by the public companies .

The data above clearly reveals that the Indian Public sector insurance companies are more generous in terms of paying claims. The life insurance data shows that LIC pays almost 97% of the claims while the private Indian life insurance companies pay about 85% of the claims. The same pattern is revealed in the non life insurance sector also where on an overall basis, the claims ratio of the public non life companies is higher than that of the private companies. However, one needs to be careful here before jumping to a conclusion. It could very well be that in the public companies are sourcing the wrong kind of business with lax underwriting norms, whereas the private companies would be more stringent at the entry time itself. However, the worrying part is the claims denied ratio of the private life insurance companies which is over 7%. In the case of a life company, the claim is a death. There can be no ambiguity here- someone is either dead or alive. The repudiation figure of 7% seems mysteriously high here.

Types of Security Guard Insurance Coverage

By Bob Fischer

Security guard insurance is vital in today's business environment. It protects both security guard agencies and the companies they safeguard. There are various policy endorsements available to security guard companies and adding some or all of the following available options can provide the full protection needed in this high risk industry.

Assault & Battery

Security guard insurance can include clauses to cover guards in the event they are accused of assault and battery while in the course of their duties. Assault and battery is a crime whereby a person makes physical contact with another while also threatening that person in some way. For guards this could be a person alleging the use of unreasonable, physical force.

Broad Form Property Damage

Broad form property damage is the general commercial liability portion of security guard insurance. It is the principal form of insurance coverage and provides extended protection over basic potential causes of loss or property damage to a client's property or even the inability for client to use that property.

Error & Omissions (Professional Liability)

Error & omissions insurance is also known as professional liability insurance, and it is an important coverage option for security guard insurance. It protects the company against claims of financial loss due to failure or negligence while delivering professional security services. In particular, this insurance feature protects the business with regard to legal defense fees and any settlement expenses incurred.

Personal Injury

Security insurance should also include protection for personal injury risks including libel, slander and false arrest. Some policies now specifically exclude false arrest claims. Personal injury endorsements will indemnify the security company from accusations of false arrest or detention by a hired guard as well as libel or slander claims.

Incidental Medical Malpractice

Many general liability policies cover bodily injury; however, they do not include incidental medical malpractice. In a situation where a guard offers first aid while on duty, this coverage will protect against a claimant alleging medical malpractice against the guard and his employer.

Invasion of Privacy

Invasion of privacy risk coverage supplies security companies with peace of mind from being sued for misusing surveillance methods or systems. Some causes of action have been brought against guards and security company employers using CCTV camera footage for voyeurism or discrimination so having this protection is necessary.

Malicious Prosecution

Malicious prosecution is a civil or criminal proceeding action that is brought against an individual or company without probable cause and for reasons other than bringing that person or business to justice. Security guard insurance coverage for this risk will protect guard companies from being sued wrongly and guard against frivolous claims.

From making sure the companies they guard are protected and secure to providing guards with training and equipment that makes their job easier, security guard firms have many areas of concern while running their businesses. Having security guard insurance is vital to protecting the company and employees from lawsuits and liabilities in the workplace today.

Knowing which options to choose when obtaining insurance for security companies can give security companies needed protection from risk as well as peace of mind.

Bob Fischer is a contributing writer for various international publications. In this article he discusses the many benefits of obtaining security guard insurance.

Finding Medical Malpractice Insurance - Choosing the Right Insurance Broker

By Razia Gupta

Many doctors find it is somewhat difficult to find a medical liability insurance broker who is an expert in medical professional liability insurance and who devotes their days to the placement of medical malpractice risks. In this business it is continuous hard work to keep our physicians and surgeons interests ahead of our own, and you will find there are many brokers that do not.

There are several ways for you to find an honest and reputable broker:

Consult a colleague
Respond to medical malpractice insurance company's marketing pieces and ask them for their appointed representatives.
Use a service to be put in touch with a knowledgeable broker.
Once you contact a broker, ask them about their experience in your market, insurance carrier options, etc.

How do you know if your broker is performing well?

If your coverage is in the standard, admitted market, then you most likely have a cost-effective and strong policy form with adequate coverage for your needs. Also, you have some protection from your state's insurance guarantee fund in cases of insurer insolvency.
If your coverage is in the non-standard, non-admitted market, then in most cases, your broker should shop the market each year and attempt to help you re-apply to the standard market. The non-admitted market is also referred to as the surplus lines market. Risk Retention Groups are also non-admitted insurance companies. Surplus Lines insurance companies and risk retention groups do not have access to the state insurance guarantee fund. They do however have more flexibility in crafting a policy to fit unique physician malpractice insurance needs. These companies have creative ways of using deductibles and limits of liability to fit the doctor or hospitals needs.
Check all quotes to confirm your specialty, practice location, and retroactive date (if applicable), are included and correct. If any of those are incorrect or missing then the coverage for prior and some future acts may be jeopardized.
Some policy premium may contain added fees (e.g. broker fee, policy fee, stamping fee, surplus lines taxes etc.). These fees are normal and most common when purchasing medical malpractice insurance from the non-standard market. These fees could range from a total of $150 to $400(or more). Many of these fees are non refundable as they are used to pay regulatory costs imposed by the state or department of insurance.

Whether you are a family practice, internal medicine, general surgeon, orthopedic surgeon physician, or a hospital, urgent care center, medical clinic, medical spa, teleradiology etc, using a medical malpractice insurance broker for representation in the marketplace is the most cost-effective and value based decision a medical practice can make. Unless you want to spend your limited, yet valuable time learning the insurance brokering business, it is best to consult an expert medical liability insurance broker. Utilizing a brokerage service will not cost you anything, as it is a value added service.

All brokers are paid the same commission rate, dependent upon carrier and geographic location. This commission rate is built into the physician malpractice insurance premiums, at no direct cost to you. Note: If you work directly with an insurer, NOT using a broker, you will pay the same premium amount, as the insurer will not remove the "commission charge" from your premium. Therefore, it is in the best interest of your time and money to use a broker for representation.

A good broker will be able to shop the insurance market yearly to confirm you have the best coverage at the best price. They will be an advocate for you when dealing with your insurer during claim events and otherwise and will be able to explain the intricacies of your medical malpractice insurance policy.

Fighting Cancer Using Natural Herbs

By Anwar Saja

Cancer has become a global epidemic for decades. More and more people are suffering from this disease every year. Most of them are citizens of developing or under-developed nations. They lack information and knowledge on how dangerous cancer really is, and they also do not have sufficient access to get proper medication.

On the other hand, those who are undergoing chemical therapies are often troubled with thoughts of the potential side effects of their treatments. Conventional cancer treatments usually result in side effects such as hair loss, extreme fatigue, digestive problems, and even weakened immune system. Even after they are cured, it would take a long time for them to recover to their normal state.

Scientists are still trying hard to find a new kind of medication that can cure cancer without producing any adverse effects. They have set their eyes on more natural substances: herbs. Some of them are believed, and have been tested, to effectively fight cancer. This new type of cancer medication opens up a whole new range of possibilities.

Some herbs that are believed to have anti-cancer properties are widely available. A lot of people do not even realize that some of the herbs they consume everyday possess these properties. Here are some examples of therapeutic herbs you can easily find anywhere.

Green tea is a popular beverage in Eastern Asia. In their book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," experts James F. Balch, MD, and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC claim that the regular consumption of green tea can prevent the onset of cancer. Green tea is also believed to have an ability to reduce cholesterol levels, and also to fight against bacteria and viruses.

The red clover is believed to have therapeutic properties as well. According to Michael Castleman in his book "The Healing Herbs," this plant is proven effective to reduce and prevent the formation of tumours. Its reputation to treat cancer is known by more than 33 cultures. Scientists are still investigating other potential properties that this herb might possess.

The third is Echinacea. This plant is widely known by Indian or Native American tribes to treat snake bites or wounds. Recent studies indicate that Echinacea is effective to treat leukaemia (blood cancer) and also tumours.

There are other therapeutic herbs still under investigation by scientists and experts. Hopefully in the future, with this ground breaking discovery, it is possible to completely cure cancer without producing any side effects.

Knowing the Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

By Anwar Saja

One of the most dangerous diseases in this planet is cancer. Throughout the years, it has killed millions of people all over the world, making it a global epidemic. Most people are afraid to suffer and spend the rest of their lives living with this illness. However, using modern medications, cancer is preventable and even treatable. Nowadays, the scientists across the world are working very hard to invent medications that can cure this terrible disease.

One of the most common types of cancer is thyroid cancer. This disease is more common in women than in men. The exact cause of this type of cancer is still unknown. However, scientists suspect that possible causes include a family history of goiter, exposure to high levels of radiation, and certain hereditary syndromes.

So how you do know if you or your family members are suffering from thyroid cancer? The most visible symptom is a lump or a nodule in the thyroid region of the neck. Some other symptoms include difficulty in swallowing, throat or neck pain, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, excessive cough and vocal changes. If you or your family members notice some of these symptoms, you should take immediate actions before things get worse.

You do not have to panic when you have these symptoms. Panicking only makes matters worse. The first thing you have to do is go to a cancer specialist and request for an immediate treatment. The thing you need to remember is that this illness can be treated.

When you are diagnosed with a thyroid cancer, your doctor will need some information regarding the stage or extent of your disease. Usually, you have to go through a series of tests to determine this. The extent of the disease can be investigated using diagnostic imaging techniques such as ultrasonography (USG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).

Your doctor will prescribe the best treatment for you according to your test results. Possible treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. Do not forget to take your medication and always follow your doctor's orders. Do not skip your therapy sessions. These are the keys to a speedy recovery. Cancer treatments are done by specialists who are experts on this medical field such as surgeons, endocrinologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

Cancer has become something we are afraid of. But thanks to modern technology and medical advancement, we can treat cancer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6151478

Bladder Cancer and How to Treat It

By Dr. Anshu Guleria

The bladder is a hollow muscular organ located in the pelvis inside the body and is responsible for holding urine. Bladder Cancer is a malignant growth within the urinary bladder. Cancer of the bladder results in the growth of abnormal cells in the bladder, which multiply beyond control. Cancer of the bladder commonly starts in the inside lining of the bladder and is called transitional cell carcinoma.

Blood in the urine is one of the most common sign of cancer of the bladder. The blood can be visible to the naked eye or detectable using a microscope. Other signs of cancer of the bladder can include the feeling of having to urinate but being unable to, pain when urinating, and frequent urination, however, these signs can be caused by another ailment and not be caused by cancer of the bladder. Therefore, it is best to go for further examination by a doctor to have your symptoms accurately diagnosed.

Cancer of the bladder affects over 50,000 people annually in the United States and accounts for approximately 10,000 deaths. The disease is associated with old age since on average it is diagnosed in people at age 68, although there are a significant number of people below the age of 68 who are diagnosed with cancer of the bladder as well. Bladder cancer is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States for men aged 75 years due to cancer. The cause of cancer of the bladder has been linked to long exposure of rubber by-products and dyestuffs. Smoking of cigarettes is also known to contribute the development of this disease. Men are at a higher risk for cancer of the bladder than women in a ratio of 3:1.

The primary diagnostic methods for diagnosing cancer of the bladder are a cystoscopy, in which the bladder is inspected with a telescope like-instrument and a bladder biopsy. The treatment of bladder cancer is done after taking into consideration a variety of factors including health status, age, and state of the cancer. The preferred treatment for bladder cancer by doctors is surgery. Before treatment can be done, the state of the cancer must be known first. In case the infection is superficial i.e. infection in the lining of the bladder, then trans-urethral resection and intra-vesicle pharmacotherapy treatment is typically what is recommended. Deep bladder tumors are treated by surgically removing the bladder and a urinary diversion is used whenever a whole bladder is removed.

Treatment for blood cancer is aimed at eradicating the disease if the cancer is superficial to avoid deep infections into the muscles of the bladder and to prevent the occurrence of tumors. Superficial tumors due to bladder cancer can reoccur after 6-12 months of treatment using trans-urethral re-sectioning. Therefore, immunomodulatory drugs and intravascular pharmacotherapy treatments are preferred as they reduce the reoccurrence rate of superficial bladder cancer. The total removal of the bladder is the standard method of treatment for bladder cancer that invades the muscular layers. The bladder, pelvic lymph nodes, seminal and prostate vesicles are removed. In order to manage urinary flow as a result, a urinary diversion is created.

Prevent Cancer By Changing Your Lifestyle

By Anwar Saja

Unhealthy lifestyle is one of the many causes of cancer. One of the easiest things you can do to prevent cancer from happening is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. You can easily find tips and information regarding healthy living on the internet. Here is a list of preventative measures you can take in order to help protect yourself from cancer.

1. High fiber foods are essential for cancer prevention. Fiber can help decrease the risk of cancer. Start consuming foods that are high on fiber such as fresh vegetables, fruit and grains regularly.

2. Avoid obesity. Some researches show that obesity increases the risk of cancer, especially breast, uterus, colon, kidney and gall bladder cancers.

3. Consume foods containing vitamin A and C such as vegetables like broccoli and fruits like bananas, oranges, papayas, tomatoes, and mangoes. These foods are rich in antioxidant and can help prevent esophagus, larynx, lung and stomach cancers.

4. Cut down consumption of fatty foods such as fried foods and offal. Foods that are processed for long periods of at high temperatures are equally as bad.

5. Avoid cooking processes that can produce procarcinogen such as smoking, baking, roasting and overcooking your food. Avoid microwaving your foods as well. Boiling and steaming are the most preferable method of cooking.

6. Reduce the consumption of foods containing artificial sweeteners and food coloring as well as those with preservatives.

7. Consume more vegetables which are members of the cabbage family such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. These vegetables can protect you from stomach and respiratory cancers. Broccoli is known as a 'super food' and is known to prevent cancer.

8. Stop smoking and keep away from alcoholic drinks. Smoking can potentially cause lung cancer.

9. Always consume clean foods. Make sure you wash raw foods before you consume them to get rid of harmful chemical substances and pollutants.

10. Add garlic to your cooking. It contains sulfur compounds that potentially reduce tumor growth and stimulate the immune system to fight against cancer.

11. Consider adding strawberries or blueberries to your morning cereal. Berries are rich in antioxidant which helps neutralize free radicals that will potentially damage body cells and lead to cancer.

12. Exercise regularly. Exercising helps improve circulation, ward off stress and reduce the risk of cancer.

13. Stress can trigger cancer as well. While avoiding stress seems impossible, you can minimize it by exercising, engaging in relaxing activities, or interacting with other people.