Jewelry Insurance tips

Jewelry insurance comes in many forms and varieties and only an insurance agent can provide accurate and specific advice.  However, it helps to know enough about jewelry insurance to ask your agent the right questions and to be aware of how the process works.  The time to ask your insurance agent the questions is before you insure an item, not when you need to file a claim.  Read the fine print in your insurance contract to be sure it provides the coverage you expect.

Understanding jewelry insurance begins with recognizing the difference between scheduled and unscheduled property. 

Unscheduled property (jewelry not specifically listed) is typically included in basic homeowner or renter’s policies under blanket coverage.  There is a usually a deductible (typically $500) and a maximum amount of coverage (typically $1500) although these amounts can vary with the specific policy.  This type of coverage does not require an appraisal but sales receipts, written descriptions or photos are beneficial in proving the items existed and estimating their replacement value.

Scheduled property (jewelry specifically listed) is included in a floater, rider or endorsement to homeowner or renter’s policies.  Jewelry insurance is also available with a separate policy, from a company specializing in jewelry insurance.  For scheduled property, the insurance appraisal is vital because it describes the jewelry item and provides the “insured value” that is used in determining the premium you will pay to insure the item each year.  Most scheduled property policies do not have an automatic appreciation adjustment as is common for the house and other unscheduled property.  Therefore, even if it might cost 50% more to replace an item in five years, the “insured value” is still only that stated in the appraisal. 

If you file an insurance claim, the settlement process and amount paid will depend on the policy and in particular, if the policy allows replacement or agreed value settlement.  For agreed value policies, the settlement amount is stated in the policy whereas replacement value allows the insurance company to replace your jewelry or make a cash settlement based on the insurance company’s cost to replace your item.  The insurance company’s liability ceiling is set at the “insured value” on the appraisal.  

Do you have enough jewelry insurance?  The answer depends on what kind of policy you have, the “insured value” is on the appraisal, the settlement procedure is for your particular policy, and the accuracy of the information on your appraisal.  If you have a jewelry item valued at more than the $1500, you should definitely consider scheduled as opposed to unscheduled coverage.  

The critical issue for scheduled property coverage is the how accurate is the information on the appraisal.  

1) If the information on the appraisal is vague and general, the insurance company can replace the item with an item that satisfies the description but perhaps is not the quality and true value of the lost item.  Be sure your jewelry appraisal has a detailed and accurate description of the jewelry item.

2) If the appraisal value is artificially high, the insurance company can replace the item at their cost even though the client paid premiums for years on a value twice as much.  This is often the case for purchases from a jewelry store with prices double other retailers and the store provides an insurance appraisal even higher than the purchase price.  You do not need an appraised value more than 150% of the price you would pay at low priced online retailer.

3) If the appraisal value is too low, the insurance company can make cash settlement that might not cover the current replacement cost of the item.  This could be the case for items purchased three or four years ago from a low price online retailer and the appraised value was at or below the purchase price.  With diamond prices increasing about 10% a year recently, it does not take long for appraisal values to be out of date if too close to online retail purchase prices. Be sure to have your jewelry insurance appraisal updated every four or five years so you do not end up underinsured.

European Quality Insures

Quality cut crystal from Europe can be a treasure trove for the discerning buyer. Exquisite hand blown glass and cut crystal manufactured by master craftsmen in the Slovak and the Czech Republic is now becoming more available to the western market. Today, cut crystal of anniversary gift and heirloom quality is just one of the many glass products to choose from.

Although the Czechs and Slovaks are not the only skilled glass producers in Central Europe, few rival them in artistic range and expertise. Hardly a street in Prague is without a shop window that displays luxury cut crystal or fine hand blown glass. Visitors and tourists find breath-taking works of art exemplified in hand cut crystal and mouth blown glass.

In Bohemia, the craft and art of glassmaking goes back over 600 years. Often a family tradition, the craftsmanship of glass is highly specialized from artwork to glassworks production. Today, Czech glass is still one of the European heirloom treasures to look for and select that "perfect unique gift."

After the collapse of the Communist Socialist system in 1989, state ran 

glass factories in Czechoslovakia started down the path of privatization. More and more, they became free to make their own business decisions on which kind of glass they wished to produce and offer to market. Importers from the West also have more choices on goods and glass manufacturers as they are no longer required to go through state specified channels. The result has made world-class custom glass products from Bohemia, readily available to the world economy.

Collecting glass is an obsession to some. Locating and acquiring antique glass collectibles can be as exciting as finding new heirloom cut crystal from the shops of master craftsmen. From crystal chandeliers to colored decorative glass, Czech and Slovak pieces have become more sought after as centuries pass.

Heirloom crystal pieces can be cut to look like a faceted diamond in appearance. Leaded crystal is not the only top grade cut glass, some of the most elegant and expensive cut glass, in the world, contains no lead in it at all. Quality is reliant on the manufacturer and skill of the craftsmen rather than the type of glass produced.

Glass gifts are part of the civilized culture. Royalty often designated custom decorative glass pieces be made for occasions. Today, cut crystal has not lost its allure. Anniversary glass gifts can be cut crystal pieces or hand blown items. Cut crystal is selected for any anniversary year, but very often the 25th Anniversary gift and again for the 50th Anniversary present. Culinary and kitchen items have become popular for glass gifts of distinction. Gourmet kitchens often show off imported olive oil and aged vinegar, in hand blown decanters and cruets. Recently in vogue are glass-within-glass decanters of oil and vinegar. Their unique quality lends them to be an exceptional gift of European style and design.

Business Insurance Basics

All insurance companies exist for one reason. They are in business to make a profit. The way they do this is simple. We, the customers with insurance policies, pay a premium for the peace of mind that if something bad should ever happen, the insurance company will compensate us for the losses and we won't loose the items were insuring. If the insurance company pays out less for claims than it brings in from all the current policies it makes what's called an underwriters profit.

So obviously 'business insurance' is a policy which is intended to serve the needs of a business rather than the needs of an individual. In general this type of policy protects a business from monetary losses due to just about any type of catastrophe you can imagine, fire, theft, vandalism and even business loss insurance can protect a business should they have a bad quarter or lose money for a short period of time. Business insurance can also help stabilize your business by establishing better credit relations and provide a retirement plan for your employees.  

Needs of Business Insurance:

Whether it is a small enterprise or a large corporation, the success of a business always depends largely on the hard work and ingenuity of its employees. Yet, a single disaster can eliminate all the profits, wipe out a business and leave many hard working employees on the street. The only key to make sure that all the money and effort that have been invested in a business is completely secure in case of any tragedy to the business is to protect the business with an appropriate insurance policy. 

There are mainly five ways to save big bucks on a business insurance policy and they are as follows:

1. Shop around: Now a days it is very easy in getting the names of companies or brokers who specialize in business insurance and comparing prices online before purchasing, this alone can save you truck loads off your monthly premiums over the next few years.

2. Choosing a higher deductible: By choosing a higher deductible you the customer pay less for the policy. As an additional side note here, this also works for home and auto insurance and can save you thousands over the next few years as long as you know that if you need to make a claim it will be a higher fee.

3. Purchasing a package policy: It is sometimes cheaper to purchase a package policy rather than individual coverage and this can be ideal for small and medium sized businesses.

4. Work closely with the insurance agent: By working closely with your insurance agent you'll get valuable advice to protect your business from unexpected disasters. 

5. Follow the Insurer's recommendations: By following your insurer's recommendations and guidelines you will be able to reduce your premiums. Basically this is because the insurer thinks you are less likely to make a claim. 

Benefits of Business Insurance:

Not usually manditory, most businesses have a certain kind of insurance whether they are a for-profit or nonprofit company. That is why business insurance is very essential for every companies as business risks increase year by year. It is very necessary to know what insurance to purchase depending on the nature of your business. If there are lots of assets in your business then the theft and property damage insurance should be considered as well.

Countless hours from talented staff are spent in developing your business. Therefore it is very important to plan to secure your business from a lawsuit, natural disaster strike or some other crisis. And thus we find the actual need of business insurance.

Best Insurance Leads

Buzzquotes is a company we reviewed a few years back. They started off with excellent ratings, and then dropped a bit. But now they are back on the radar. You can find out for yourself by filling out their information request form. They will send you free information on their lead generation programs. We are very impressed with their customer service, and they are excellent at lead generation. Leads they provide: Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Health Insurance and Life Insurance.

"This lead resulted in a $25,000 annuity sale on the first appointment. My commission on this sale was enough to pay for 100 leads." - John W.

"It is much easier to leave the home with a check when the potential client is ready to buy. That is what buzzquotes.com gives the agent, a client that is done shopping and ready to buy." - Ben P.

"Sold another one! Out of about 16 leads so far, I've sold 4 that have yielded approximately $6700 in first year commissions. Great return on investment!" - Mark R.

"One appointment close. Good, easy sale." - Matt R.

"I have been using buzzquotes since last November (2006). I have sold 20 policies for 36 leads since november. If the info on the lead is correct I have a better than 50/50 chance to sell them. Part of my success is quality companies that I represent, part is my ability, and part is the excellent leads from buzzquotes.com. Thank you very much" - Adam F.

"This was my first one million dollar term insurance policy I have sold! Thanks to buzzquotes." - Lance V.

"Sold $500,000 term life policy. Picking up $45,000 SPDA next month from maturing CD's, plus three Roth IRA's. Will write additional $250,000 of life in February after birth of baby, and are starting discussion of voluntary, payroll deducted retirement plan for 200 employees. Great results from one lead." - Dick L.

"I sold a policy on the husband and wife and got two referrals." - Bradley W.

"Thanks buzzquotes the leads are great, keep 'em coming!" - Shawn B.

"Sold a pair of Health policies, replacing their old Health plans. Buzzquotes led me to a knowledgeable consumer whom I closed 2 days after getting the e-mail. Way to go!" - Jason C.

"Thanks for this lead. I was able to help this prospect obtain life insurance to fund his business buy-sell agreement. Thanks." - Lucy C.

You can buy any type of Insurance leads. Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Health Insurance and Life Insurance.  You pay as you go, and they do not have time commitments or sign up fees. That's always good. 

Buzzquotes philosphy of providing leads to no more than 3 industry professionals in any area keeps the competition down, they are not spread to thin, and their leads produce results. So, you should give them a test drive. To get more information from buzzquotes fill out this no obligation form, and they will email you a free info pack.

The only way to know for sure if buzzquotes is the right choice is to give them a shot. Buy a few leads, and if they are not what you wanted in a lead generation company, try another one. We are getting great feedback, and they have been very consistent.

Health Insurance Plan

An online discount health insurance plan should be researched if you find the insurance costs offered to you through your job, professional association or chamber of commerce outside of your budget. It is important to find something that works for your needs as well as your family requirements.

What is important to you? Do you think you'll be needing maternity care , physical check-ups for your family, regular prescription drugs refilled or Are you considered high risk or have a health condition ?

Ask friends about the policies they use, but keep in mind that their own needs may be different than yours.

Don't pick a plan just based on your friend's recommendation but see if it will cover the types of services you require or if it may have more features than you would normally use.

One nice thing about looking for an online discount health insurance plan is that a lot of insurance companies are aware of the competition and you can compare rates to get the best deals. It is important to look via your zip code as counties even 10 miles from each other can have huge differences in the monthly premium charges. This can be based on cost of living or other factors.

When you fill out an online form you will be asked some question and it is a quick process where you can then get a comparison. They will be looking at your age, degree of risk and you can see what each has to offer in terms of the premium and benefits. By keeping in mind what services you'll be using you can make an informed decision and choose a health insurance plan that will speak to your needs. Some are comfortable for example with catastrophic insurance that would protect them from expensive hospital bills but not have coverage for doctor's visits until a high deductible is met.

Canadian Health Insurance

My purpose is to discuss the important information that you'll need to know if you are thinking about or planning on moving to Canada as a permanent resident.

In this article, we're going to talk about some of the first things you need to do when you arrive in Canada as a permanent resident.

Health Insurance Card

One of the first things you'll want to do after arriving is apply for health insurance cards for every member of your family.  Applications are available in many places, including doctor's offices and pharmacies.  These cards allow you to receive care through the Canadian health insurance program for the following services:

- Examination and treatment by physicians and most specialists

- Many types of surgery

- Hospitalization

- X-rays and laboratory tests

- Immunizations

You will not have to pay for these services, these expenses are covered by the taxes that you will be paying as a working Canadian permanent resident.

In most provinces in Canada, you can begin receiving medical coverage as soon as you apply.  In Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and British Columbia, however, you must wait 3-months from the date you apply for your coverage to begin.  In the meantime, short-term health insurance is available through private companies.

You may also want to ask potential employers about their health coverage options as well.  Many employers provide additional health insurance benefits that cover expenses, such as prescription drugs and dental care.

Social Insurance Number

Before you begin working in Canada, you need to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).  This 9-digit number is used to help you receive the social benefits you are entitled to as a Canadian permanent resident and to ensure that you are paying taxes to help support those benefits.

To apply for a SIN, you should visit a local office of the Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSD) to complete an application.  You should also bring along your Permanent Resident card to proof your identity and your residency status.

The cost of application is $10, and it takes about three weeks for you to receive your card.

You can begin working before your receive your SIN card, however.  You simply need to provide your employer with proof that you have applied.

Employment

In most cases, you will also want to begin searching for work almost immediately.  It is possible to have a position lined up even before you apply for permanent resident status, but chances are that you'll be unemployed when you first arrive.

Depending on the type of work you are searching for, you may first need to apply for permission to engage in that profession.  In Canada, some careers are classified as regulated fields.  These fields included doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.  In order to obtain work in these areas, you will need to contact the regulatory office in the province where you intend to work.  The regulations vary from province to province.   

The regulatory board will have to evaluate your experience and credentials then decide whether you need to take further steps to meet their standards.

Some trades, such as carpenter or plumber, are also considered to be regulated.  Therefore, you must make sure that you have the appropriate licensing before attempting to work in those fields.  Carpentry and plumbing, as well as 43 other trades, are considered Red Seal Trades.  This means that the regulations for that trade are the same in all provinces.  Therefore, if you are a licensed welder in Quebec, you can also do that type of work in New Brunswick without having to go through another assessment.

Fortunately, the majority of jobs in Canada are non-regulated, so you can begin searching for a position in your chosen field as soon as you arrive.

One of the best ways to find a position in Canada is to use the Job Bank service.  This online site allows you to post up to 3 employee profiles that can be viewed by employers.  You can also view postings placed by employers throughout Canada.  The daily newspapers in all of the provinces also include job listings.

Liability Insurance Asset

The good old United States of America, whether you admit it or not, is a severely litigation-obsessed society. Basically anyone in this country stands a chance to be sued for any or whatsoever act that is proven to be his or her fault. Arm chair sociologists call it simply as the deep pocket syndrome. 

When one is doing public shows, especially the ones that deal with magic, the very best thing anyone could do to stay in the safe side is to buy an insurance for your act. It is not an option. It is a need for goodness sake. 

One of the good insurance that some entertainers have has a one million dollar liability. It came from an agent from the Farmers Insurance Group. 

Having an insurance is like having a fire extinguisher. It is so much better to have one than not have it at all. You feel safe, protected and covered. One million dollar tops and is quite enough to give you a sleep-heavy night and a wake-up-fresh morning. 

It has been said that the Society of American Magicians has the kind of insurance of this type. It is very important that you get an insurance. If you have one or if you are planning to purchase one, make sure that the insurance policy you have a product clause. 

This works well just in case you use balloons for your act, or birds for that matter. If one of the audience members happen to take it home with them and they accidentally choke on the balloon or get bitten by the bird, you have nothing to worry about because you are definitely covered.

For your information also, if you have performer’s insurance and you happen to perform a magic act while you were not in your costume, most likely you are not covered.

If you have liability insurance and while you are performing, a child insists that he or she wants to touch or to have one of your props, make sure that you make it clear and known to everyone concerned – as they may be potential witnesses – that you are giving the prop or props to the parent. Hand it over to the parent. Doing so transfers the liability on the hands of the child’s parents. 

There are also magic tricks performed by clowns. Currently, it is highly unadvisable – fortunately or unfortunately – for clowns or any performer to hug children or to get close enough unless it is to shake hands. 

These days you really cannot be too careful. And being too careful is still the best way to go.

It is best that prior to doing a magic act or any public show for that matter, that you - as a performer - tell all the adults and children in the audience about some specific props that you might be distributing to them during the course of the show. If for example you will be using balloons, announce beforehand that children’s mouths and balloons do not mix. 

Doing so keeps you from any liability and your audience safe from choking unnecessarily.

One performer has an existing one million dollar liability, it also includes five hundred thousand dollars worth of product liability. The insurance also covers any event wherein the performer and his or her employee is entertaining. However, it does not cover any contractors that are independent from the performer which the performer has hired. If the performer needed to hire someone outside, the performer always requested for an ‘additional insured’ from the insurance company.

Make sure though that once you get an insurance, that insurance company should be able and willing to give you a rider that will be able to cover you if in case you are working or need to work off premises and on a particular client’s house, business office, facility, or any other area that is different from where you regularly and usually work in. It is a standard item and there should not be that much fuss over it. Any good insurance company should be able to do it. 

All you need to do is be persistent. It is an item that is almost always considered a standard on many insurance policies.