Monday, December 27, 2010

Life Insurance With No Medical Exam Required!

Up to $300,000 Term Life Insurance
No medical exam needed!
You only need to answer some
simple health questions.
Underwriting Decision Within 24-48 Hours, Now That's Fast and Easy Rapid Decision Term
Coverage issued in 24 - 48 hours
5, 10, 15, 20 and 30-year terms
$10,000 to $300,000 limits**
Guaranteed level premium
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Coverage available to Age 75
Convenient monthly premiums
Accelerated Death Benefit Rider
Have you been declined coverage in the Past?
Ask me about Fidelity Life's Graded Death Benefit Term or Whole Life Plans.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

2010 Household Trends in U.S. Life Insurance Ownership study by LIMRA

Life insurance ownership in the U.S. has hit a 50-year low. Three in 10 households – about 35 million – carry no life insurance on anyone in the household, up from 24 million, or 22 percent of households in 2004.

By their own admission, half of U.S. households, or 58 million, have unmet life insurance needs. Even among households with $125,000 or more of annual income, one-fourth believe they are inadequately insured.

Reasons provided for delaying the purchase of life insurance were: They have other financial priorities right now, they think it is too expensive, they have difficulty making decisions about the purchase, and they just plain procrastinate.

Let's sit down and talk about options. Don't put your family in the position of wishing there had been (more) life insurance.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Adding a Pet to the Family this Holiday Season?






 

The holiday season often includes images of cute puppies under a Christmas tree or a kitten with a sparkly ribbon around its neck. But before consumers do their holiday shopping at the pet shop, be sure they consider the risks and liabilities they may also be bringing home.

A new national survey by Trusted Choice® found that 29% of respondents, representing more than 65 million households in the United States, said they have either given or received a pet as a gift. Of those, 73% said they never considered liability or risk factors of pet ownership such as higher insurance rates or the need for specialty coverage.


Consider these points before giving someone a pet for the holidays and consult with your liability insurance agent:

• Sick puppy? While the concept of health insurance for pets has received a lot of attention lately, it is important for pet owners to know that this coverage is NOT suitable for everyone. These policies are non-regulated insurance products, so purchasers have no recourse through state insurance regulators if there is a complaint or problem with their coverage. In addition, many pet insurance policies exclude routine examinations, vaccinations and pre-existing conditions. This coverage may have some merit for certain pet owners, but consumers should research any pet insurance product carefully before buying it.


• Is Fido a biter or a chewer? As a dog owner, a consumer can be held financially responsible if their animal attacks and injures a person or property. That bite can also have huge implications for their insurance. Most people are bitten by dogs they know, not strays. About 50% of all dog bites happen on the owner’s property according to the Insurance Information Institute. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says children are the victims of about half of the 800,000 dog bites that are reported yearly in the United States, with the highest rate among children ages five to nine and many requiring medical attention. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 10% of children (7.5 million) in the United States do not have health insurance. Talk with your agent before you bring a new pet into your home to make sure you have adequate liability coverage and inquire about safety measures to take to protect your family and those who visit your property.


• What kind of dog is that? Many insurers are now routinely asking in their policy applications if homeowners or renters have dogs and if those dogs have a history of aggressive behavior. Some companies may even deny coverage to those who own certain breeds of dogs, including wolf hybrids, pit bulls and Rottweilers. Insurance companies can deny claims or limit coverage for dog owners who do not take precautions to prevent their animals from attacking. You should consider  at least $500,000 in liability protection if you are the owner of large dogs or if you own certain breeds.


• How much was that doggy in the window? Pet owners must understand that no matter what they paid for their pooch (or any pet), most homeowners insurance policies exclude any damage or injury to animals. So if your pet is injured or killed in a fire or other disaster, it is not likely a consumer will be able to claim it as a loss with your insurance company.


• Cruisin’ with canines. Some auto insurers are now including a pet clause which allows for a certain amount of coverage for expenses relating to a dog’s injuries in the event of an accident when a dog is in the vehicle.  


Beyond cats and dogs. Does your little princess want a pony? Or maybe a future farmer wants a baby goat? These types of gifts are not uncommon, especially with the popularity of state fairs, livestock competitions and youth agriculture programs. Families who are considering the purchase of horses, goats, calves, pigs and other farm animals may want to consider livestock or animal mortality products that cover certain losses, including drowning and electrocution. These are considered specialty products, though.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Would You take Free Money if I Offered it to you?

Dear Tony,

I'm sure you probably saw the email subject and thought "I would if there was no catch". Wouldn't we all!!

What if I told you about a financial product that doesn't offer free money, but DOES leverage the money you put in it at up to 5 times? Would you be skeptical? Don't be. I'll try to spell it out for you briefly.

We've all seen the statistics--the odds of having a car accident are 3 in 900. The odds of having a residential fire are 7 in 900. The odds of being admitted to a critical care unit are 21 in 900. According to the US Dept of Health and Human Services the odds of needing long-term care are now up to 630 in 900--70%!! Are YOU covered?

I probably already know the answer to that question. But why not? Is it because long-term care (LTC) insurance is a "use it or lose it" product? Is it because of the medical underwriting and difficulty of the process it takes to GET LTC insurance? OR, you may be justifying having no actual coverage because you are self insuring.

Why self insure when you can now be covered with a product that is no longer a "use it or lose" type product? You no longer need to take the "ostrich" approach to LTC. I can now offer you a product that has guaranteed premiums and benefits. This product offers a 100% money back premium guarantee. If you are in the 30% of the people that don't need LTC, there is a guaranteed death benefit for your beneficiaries.

The application is one page and no blood is drawn. Why wouldn't you be interested in a product like this?

Oh, I almost forgot. Earlier I mentioned a leverage of 5 times. One case of a 65 year old female non-smoker showed her putting in $100,000. Her LTC benefit was $499,000 and her death benefit would have been $166,000. Or if she decided that she needed the money for something else after she had taken out the product, she would have full access to 100% of her money less any withdrawals or loans that had been taken out.

Now, let me ask you...why would you ignore the greatest risk of all? Ask me about Moneyguard today and feel free to forward this email to anyone that you think should know more, or to a relative that you know who is self insuring.

Thank you for your time! I look forward to hearing from you.

Tony Koehler
Koehler Froman Insurance Services, Inc.
403 Main Street
Warsaw, IL 62379
awkoehler@gmail.com
www.TonyKoehler4Life.com
217-919-0457

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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Winter Weather Driving



To view this email as a web page, go here.
Sagamore Header
  E-newsletter of Sagamore Insurance Company
December 2010
 
  Road_Main

Winter Weather Driving

Winter road conditions present unique challenges to driver capabilities and vehicle performance. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 15 percent of weather-related crashes occur in snow or sleet, and another 13 percent on icy pavement. Drivers must take extra precautions to prepare themselves and their vehicles before traveling in winter weather.

Awareness of potential inclement weather is important whether you're driving 15 minutes across town or traveling hours out of state. Remind your customers to check weather conditions and forecasts ahead of time, especially when embarking on longer trips, as conditions can vary greatly across a region. Warn them to prepare for changing weather patterns and if the weather makes driving conditions extremely dangerous, tell them to STAY OFF THE ROADS!

Drivers need to think ahead and prepare vehicles for winter weather. Advise customers to check the following before weather conditions worsen:

  • Brakes and tires
  • Battery and ignition systems
  • Antifreeze and thermostat
  • Windshield wipers and de-icing washer fluid
  • Headlights, tail and brake lights, blinkers and emergency flashers
  • Exhaust system, heater and defroster
  • Oil
  • Door locks – add lubricant to prevent freezing

Provide your customers with these additional tips to keep in mind when they're on the road:

  • Always remain alert and aware of road conditions and surroundings.
  • Wear a seat belt and make sure all passengers have their seat belts fastened.
  • Ice forms first on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas. Do not slam on the brakes when driving over ice. Decelerate slowly, holding the car steady.
  • Adjust the speed to fit the weather conditions. Always maintain a safe distance behind other cars.
  • If the car begins to skid, remove foot from the gas pedal, but don't hit the brake. Steer gently in the direction the front of the car should go. As the car straightens out, traction and control will return.
  • Keep blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, jumper cables, tire chains, a flashlight, ice scraper and gloves in the car. Take a food supply of candy bars or dried fruit.
  • Keep the gasoline level as high as possible to prevent water condensation in the tank.



 

In This Issue

Winter Weather Driving


Fuel For Thought

Winter_Sidebar

Fuel Tank Icon  Fuel For Thought

When driving in cold or inclement weather:

- Keep windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice
- Leave home a few minutes earlier than usual
- Start out slowly, in the lowest gear
- Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles
- Keep an emergency winter driving kit in the car

Sources Consulted:
- Virginia Department
   of Transportation

- Nebraska Department
   of Roads

- Texas Department
   of Public Safety

- California Department
   of Transportation

 




Monday, December 6, 2010

Durbin co-sponsors flood insurance measure


Local News,Politics
12/2/2010
7:50 am

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) -  Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin and a lawmaker from New York are pushing a measure that would stave off the mandatory purchase of flood insurance.
It would take effect in areas newly designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as being at high risk of
flooding.
Durbin says the bill he introduced in the Senate on Wednesday with fellow Democrat Charles Schumer would give more time for areas like southwestern Illinois to upgrade their river levees and deal with the prospect of higher flood insurance rates.
Similar to a bill recently passed by the House, the Senate measure would provide for a five-year delay of mandatory insurance, followed by a five-year period of gradually increasing premiums.
Officials in Illinois worry new FEMA maps soon will declare the region's levees functionally useless, meaning higher insurance rates.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Information for You

The Chronicle

How Much is Enough? (Life Insurance, That Is!)

It is actually quite easy to figure out how much life insurance is enough to protect your family.

Ask yourself, "When will I be able to comfortably stop working?" Let's suppose that your answer is, "In 10 years." That means your family is relying upon you working and earning your income for the next 10 years. The amount of life insurance you need is your current paycheck, times the number of paychecks you receive each year, times 10 years.

Paycheck $______

x number of paychecks per year ______

x number of years you plan to work _____

= life insurance needed $______

picture

If something were to happen to you, your family could invest that life insurance money to keep pace with inflation and withdraw cash as needed.

The good news is that longevity improvements and competition between carriers has made life insurance very affordable. Your family's peace of mind is worth the modest amount you will pay for this important protection.

I'm pleased to share this newsletter with you to keep in touch and pass along a few helpful tips. Please give me a call if you would like to discuss any of your insurance needs. Also, if you have questions regarding ways you can build your retirement assets or set up an effective retirement income flow, I can assist you. If you haven't scheduled an annual review yet, I encourage you to give me a call to get that set up so we can make sure all your goals are on track.

Tony Koehler
Koehler Froman Insurance Services, Inc.
403 Main Street
Warsaw, IL  62379
awkoehler@gmail.com
www.TonyKoehler4Life.com
217-919-0457



The information provided here is provided for informational purposes only.