Auto insurance

The idea that insurance premiums for bodily-injury coverage go mostly to compensate victims for medical expenses and lost wages is itself a form of fiction. Only 14.8 percent of such payments are disbursed for that purpose. (See the chart.) The outlay for attorneys' fees is nearly twice as high-28.4 percent. And fraudulent and excessive claims, at 12.6 percent, come close to matching the economic-loss outlays.

Car insurances

ProgressiveAgent.com, a website that makes it easy for drivers to research car insurance and find a local independent insurance agent, has earned a Standard of Excellence award from the 2011 Web Marketing Association’s WebAwards competition.

“ProgressiveAgent.com was designed to make it easy for consumers to get a car insurance quote from a local insurance agent, while also helping agents grow their business,” explained Karen Barone, Progressive’s Agency distribution business leader. “This award is affirmation that our site gets it right.”

ProgressiveAgent.com can help consumers:

• Get a quote – This function enables customers to get an online car insurance quote and have their information sent electronically to the agency of their choice to complete the sale.
• Find an agent – This function makes it easy for consumers to search for local independent agents by entering their ZIP code and selecting the type of insurance they need. Customers can also manage their policy or make a payment online.
• Research insurance options – Consumers can learn more about Progressive’s many insurance coverages including auto, boat, commercial auto and motorcycle insurance.

The judging panel described ProgressiveAgent.com as “useful” and “easy to navigate.”

Websites are evaluated on seven criteria including design, copywriting, innovation, content, interactivity, technology, and ease of use. Sites from 47 countries and 96 industries were judged during this year’s competition. The Web Marketing Association was founded in 1997 and sponsors the annual WebAward competition.

Geico official website

http://www.geico.com/

Funny Geico commerical

Allstate Hails Congressional Action

 Allstate Insurance Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas J. Wilson today praised Congress for including incentive grants to encourage states to adopt optimal graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws as part of its just-passed Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. Allstate has been a leading and tireless advocate for graduated driver licensing provisions that help protect teen drivers.

Walden University's Online Graduate Degrees

 Walden University , an online university providing distance education for working adults. Since September 2009, the number of America's top educators enrolled in Walden's Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership has nearly doubled.

Each year, teacher of the year honorees are recognized nationally after a rigorous selection process. Walden's online graduate degrees allow the honorees to work toward earning a master's or doctoral degree in education while meeting classroom and teacher of the year responsibilities.

"The most lasting effect of being teacher of the year is getting this degree at Walden because having that doctorate will continue to help me for the next 20 years of my teaching experience," said Eric Langhorst, 2008 Missouri Teacher of the Year and Walden student pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) with a specialization in Teacher Leadership . "The things we're learning through the Walden courses relate directly back to being a practitioner. This is going to help me in the classroom tomorrow, and that's why I'm excited about the courses."

Walden's teacher of the year honorees represent 33 states, the District of Columbia, four U.S. territories and the Department of Defense Education Activity. Of the 47 scholars, two are national finalists. As a growing group, they continue to share best practices and add great value to Walden's vital learning community. To see more of Eric's story and for a complete list of Walden's teacher of the year scholars, visit www.WaldenU.edu/topteachers .

About Walden University:

For 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. More than 42,500 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries are pursuing their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees here. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network -- a global network of more than 50 online and campus-based universities in 21 countries.

Walden offers more than 45 degree programs with more than 195 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration, technology and engineering. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. To learn more visit www.ncahlc.org .

State Farm® Celebrates Inspirational Women

 Doris Roberts Teams Up With State Farm to Honor Five Women Who Saw Past Personal Tragedy to Embrace Life

State Farm Life Insurance Companies today will honor five women who persevered and inspired others after the deaths of their spouses at the third Embrace Life(R) Awards gala luncheon in New York. The Awards program helps families understand that proper financial planning is crucial to protect their hopes and dreams for today and tomorrow.

Doris Roberts, acclaimed actress from the Emmy-winning series "Everybody Loves Raymond," has teamed up with State Farm(R) to tell her story of embracing life after losing her husband, author William Goyen, to leukemia in 1983. Roberts will share her life lessons during her keynote address at the luncheon.

"After the death of a spouse, there is a period of mourning you must pay attention to. But after that, we all need to continue on with life," said Roberts. "I think it's imperative to move on and not give up ... there is so much more to live for. I've led a very full life, even after my husband died because I chose to have a full life."

Roberts also cautions women who are not involved in the family finances to share the responsibility with their husbands. "Like many women of my day, I let William tend to all of that. But that was a mistake. He handled it beautifully, but when he was no longer there, I had to learn to fend for myself. When you're grieving is not the time to worry about or make financial decisions," she said.

Geico reviews auto insurance

Pros:Quick response to phone calls
Exceptional customer service
Friendly
Always standing by the side of their client.
  Cons:Roadside assistance takes a long timeThe Bottom Line:They are simply EXCEPTIONAL! 

I have had Geico Insurance since I started driving. I was on my parents plan till I turned 20 and I've been happy with them in every transaction we've had.

I've been involved in several small car accidents where I was at fault and three large that I was not at fault and had to get medical treatment. And 5 years ago a woman wrongly accused me of a hit and run (side-swiping her car w/ my left bumper which was rubber), including calling the police and reporting me. I have been more than satisfied with the way Geico has handled each situation.

The driver who side-swiped me 8 years ago was insured by Geico. I had medical injuries so I got therapy and Chiropractic care. They covered all the medical expenses, a rental and getting my car repaired in short order and gave me compensation for pain and suffering as well.

Attorneys ready clients for lead disclosure rule

While local legislation is still pending, real estate attornies are busy educating their clients about an upcoming federal regulation that will require disclosure of lead paint hazards when selling or leasing any residential property built before 1978.

The regulation is called for in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, which was one of the last pieces of legislation signed by former President Bush. The new law, passed in October, amends the National Affordable Housing Act.

While the act as it applies to privately-owned housing is, for the most part, transaction-based, there is also a provision that calls for rules for the inspection and abatement of lead paint hazards in public or government subsidized housing of

The rules are to be promulgated no later than October of 1994, two years after the act's passing.

Owners who are about to enter into a contract to transfer property will have to:

* Issue the buyer or renter a lead hazard information pamphlet

* Inform the purchaser or renter of any known lead hazards in the housing

* Provide a lead hazard evaluation report

* Permit the purchaser or renter to inspect the property over a 10-day period to determine lead paint hazards

* Insert a "lead warning statement" in the contract for sale

Violation of the regulations will result in civil fines of up to $10,000 for each offense and the offender may be liable to the purchaser or lessee for treble damages.

While two years away, attornies believe early awareness is critical to avoiding panic. In addition, the industry should be aware that the language of the act applies not only to owners entering into contracts but 'agents' as well. Though not defined in the act, this is presumed to mean realtors and management companies, and it is expeaed that when regulations are promulgated the term agent will be defined as such.

Allstate Offers Banking Products

Allstate Financial Group has opened Allstate Bank nationwide, although in Arkansas the bank will be accessible only through the company's Web site and toll-free telephone number until next year.

Allstate Bank was chartered in 1998 to provide electronic commerce services to Allstate policyholders. In July 2001 Allstate Bank received approval from the Office of Thrift Supervision to provide expanded retail products and services.

Allstate Financial is the Allstate Corp. business unit that provides life, health and disability insurance, as well as retirement and investment such as variable annuities, mutual funds and CDs. Allstate Bank's FDIC-insured products and services include CDs, insured money-market and savings accounts, checking accounts, home mortgage services and more.

Accounts can be opened, and account and rate information can be accessed atwww.allstatebank.com and through the bank's toll-free number (877-794-BANK).

Allstate Bank customers can access their accounts at more than 225,000 ATMs, which display the Cirrus, Maestro, NYCE, Star and Mac logos.

California is the first state in which Allstate agencies perform banking services, but the company's strategy is to become a broad-based financial services provider by the end of 2002 through participating agencies nationwide.

GEICO Web site earns 2 awards

GEICO earned high honors for its www.geico.com Web site by making it still easier for visitors to access the site for rate quotes, customer service updates and claims inquiries.

Two WebAwards were presented by the Web Marketing Association (WMA) recently, which named geico.com the winner of the "Insurance Standard of Excellence" award and named www.geicoenespanol.com the winner of the "Outstanding Web Site."

Jess Reed, GEICO group vice president and CIO, noted, "We are very honored to receive these awards. We think GEICO customers have known for several years that they can conduct their business quickly and securely on our Web sites. Now we are pleased to see that independent judges agree."

WMA judges evaluated both www.geico.comand www.geicoenespanol.com on seven criteria including site design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copywriting and ease-of-use. A panel of judges conducted the evaluations and provided their scores. GEICO exceeded the Web Award averages for both Web sites by convincing margins.

Marie Motowylak, manager, Internet sales at GEICO, explained that geico.com earned the Insurance Standard of Excellence award because judges appreciated the work that went into creating geico.com navigation that looked and felt interesting and because the content was high in readability. GEICO's Outstanding Web Site award at www.geicoenespanol.com drew positive comments from WMA judges for its innovation and copywriting as well as design and ease of use. Added Motowylak, "We thought this would be particularly helpful to customers who wanted to do business in Spanish."

GEICO's Web site has previously earned design and functionality awards, including the Webby Award in 2005, considered the Oscars of Web design.

Röyksopp "Remind Me" Featured in New GEICO Ad

r GEICO Auto Insurance, created by the Martin Agency, features "Remind Me" by Röyksopp. The classic song from their album "Melody A.M." features vocals from Erlend Oye (Kings Of Convenience, Whitest Boy Alive).

See the ad here:http://www.astralwerks.com/royksopp/

Röyksopp (Torbjørn Brundtland and Svein Berge) are a dynamic electronic music duo from Norway. After the inordinate success of their debut album, "Melody A.M.": 1,000,000 copies sold worldwide, tours with Basement Jaxx and Moby, not to mention headline tours of their own and a Brit nomination for Best International Group. "Melody A.M." also won Best Video for "Remind Me" at the European MTV awards and was named one of the Best Records of the Year by Rolling Stone, GQ, and a number of UK magazines; Best Electronica Album by Entertainment Weekly; and "Band To Watch" by Spin. In 2004, Röyksopp made their follow-up to "Melody A.M." "The Understanding," and once more easily defied categorization -- lurching from delicate widescreen cinerama to haunting house by way of boisterous electro bug outs -- it is resolutely different to their first opus, but reassuringly the same in excellence.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the fourth largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. It provides auto insurance coverage for more than 7 million policyholders and insures more than 11 million vehicles. GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies. Rated A for financial stability by A.M. Best Company, GEICO keeps its rates low by dealing directly with the customer. GEICO provides consumers with outstanding sales, service and claims capabilities on its geico.com Web site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 15 minutes could save you 15% on car insurance.

Attorneys ready clients for lead disclosure rule

While local legislation is still pending, real estate attornies are busy educating their clients about an upcoming federal regulation that will require disclosure of lead paint hazards when selling or leasing any residential property built before 1978.

The regulation is called for in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, which was one of the last pieces of legislation signed by former President Bush. The new law, passed in October, amends the National Affordable Housing Act.

While the act as it applies to privately-owned housing is, for the most part, transaction-based, there is also a provision that calls for rules for the inspection and abatement of lead paint hazards in public or government subsidized housing of

The rules are to be promulgated no later than October of 1994, two years after the act's passing.

Owners who are about to enter into a contract to transfer property will have to:

* Issue the buyer or renter a lead hazard information pamphlet

* Inform the purchaser or renter of any known lead hazards in the housing

* Provide a lead hazard evaluation report

* Permit the purchaser or renter to inspect the property over a 10-day period to determine lead paint hazards

* Insert a "lead warning statement" in the contract for sale

Violation of the regulations will result in civil fines of up to $10,000 for each offense and the offender may be liable to the purchaser or lessee for treble damages.

While two years away, attornies believe early awareness is critical to avoiding panic. In addition, the industry should be aware that the language of the act applies not only to owners entering into contracts but 'agents' as well. Though not defined in the act, this is presumed to mean realtors and management companies, and it is expeaed that when regulations are promulgated the term agent will be defined as such.