Four Questions To Get the Right Auto Insurance

Using the right tool for a job is key to success in any profession. Experts say the same principle applies when selecting an auto insurance policy. Having the right type of policy can help ensure that you, your employees, and your business are all protected in the unfortunate event that one of your vehicles is involved in an accident.

If you're a business owner and you or your employees use a vehicle for business-related deliveries or to carry certain materials to and from a job site, you may need a commercial auto insurance policy that is tailored to more closely suite the needs and risks of a business vehicle operator.

Here are some questions that can help you determine if you might need a commercial auto policy instead of a personal auto policy, courtesy of Henderson Insurance.

1. Do you need more liability coverage than your personal auto policy provides? Generally, a commercial auto policy provides higher limits of liability, but less or no coverage in areas that are typically not associated with commercial auto risks.
2. Do you need special coverage for situations associated with conducting business? Commercial auto policies also usually offer certain coverages such as hired and no-owned auto coverage and coverage for towing a trailer for business use- that are not available with personal auto policies.
3. Do you need to list any employees as drivers? You can do this with a commercial auto insurance policy.
4. Do you use your vehicle for business purposes? If you use your vehicle for things like pizza or newspaper delivery, catering, door-to-door consulting service, landscaping or snowplowing service, logging business, day care/church retreat van service and/or farm-to-market delivery, you might need a commercial auto policy.

Rico Henderson is the owner Henderson Insurance Agency, providing Affordable Texas Auto Insurance. To learn more, visit his site at All-AboutInsurance.net today.

Henderson Insurance

3960 Broadway Blvd, Ste. 111

Garland, TX 75043

(972) 840 - 0700

Why Wouldn't You Chose An Independent Agent?

To go with an independent agent or to go with a captive agent? That is the question. This has been one of the all-time great insurance debates. Truthfully, I don't see why there is even a debate of this issue. I mean, ask yourself if you are fine being held to one company with rigid policies, or do you prefer something a little more, shall we say, flexible?

Years ago, I was under the impression to always go captive. Let me back this up a little bit before I start rattling off. A captive insurance company is one that has their own line of insurance products. They employ their own agents that can only sell their insurance coverages and policies. Captive insurance companies are those such as State Farm, Allstate, Geico, etc. As you can see, these companies tend to be pretty well known.

Because of the popularity of these captive companies, I always thought these were the best companies to purchase insurance policies. This definitely is not the case, these insurance companies may really be a product of their aggressive marketing campaigns. An independent agent may not have the "deep pockets" to market like the captive companies, but they tend to make up for this with the ability to offer a variety of insurance products which will result in a better "bang for your buck". I must add that if popularity is very important in your decision, don't fret. Independent agents usually carry some well-known companies, too (Travelers, Progressive,etc.).

In the uncertain economy that we are experiencing, it would be wise to be prudent with your choice of an insurance provider. Don't make the common mistake of being blinded by the company's label. Evaluate the products for what they are. Look closely at what they offer, compare coverages, and invest some time in learning a little about your potential agent (interview an agent).

One of the many reasons to chose an independent agent is the flexibility this agent can provide you. Be in a position to have a policy that contours to your needs and your budget (not the other way around). An independent agent can actively search for a company that is best for you. If you don't like something about a policy or company that your agent has suggested for you, the agent has the ability to find you a different company or policy within his/her vast portfolio of insurance carriers. This is not the case with a captive insurance company. The agent for this company will tell you what they offer, and it's basically a "take it, or leave" situation.

In addition, if you should get a traffic ticket or if you are involved in an auto accident - your premium may increase or you may be dropped by the captive insurance company because the consider you too much of a risk to insure. On the other hand, an independent agent can mitigate your costs by moving you to another insurance company within his/her portfolio.

In reality, there really is no contest. It's pretty obvious, isn't it? Think Flexibility! Go Independent!

Rico Henderson is the owner Henderson Insurance Agency, providing Medicare Supplement and Health Insurance and Affordable Texas Auto Insurance. To learn more, visit his site at All-AboutInsurance.net.


Henderson Insurance Agency

3960 Broadway Blvd., Ste. 111

Garland, TX 75043

972 -840-0700

What Is A VIP Patient?

First of all, allow me to reintroduce myself:

I am not an insurance agent. I repeat, I am not an insurance agent. My wife and I do own an insurance agency. My wife is the licensed agent. I am in the medical field at prominent hospital in the state of Texas. My wife has a great enthusiasm for the field of insurance that it has spilled over on me. And because of this, I am able to relate her experience as an agent to my experience as a healthcare provider.

I notice something about everyday at the hospital and how it applies to the insurance profession. Sometimes, I dream of doing what my wife does. I don't feel I would be as good as she, but it is something that I think about from time to time. But back to my insight for today, "Is there really such a thing as a VIP patient?" Let me say that again, "Is there such a thing as a very important patient"? That still doesn't sound right. In the past two weeks, I have heard this phrase used from a doctor and also a hospital administrator. It's very alarming to me because I have been in the healthcare field for over 17 years (over 9 years in the Navy as a corpsman), and have never heard this mentioned before. Of course in the Navy, if a Captain is onboard for a procedure, everyone treats that patient different. This is mainly due to the great amount of respect for that officer's position.

I have recently witnessed a doctor gushing over a patient only because of that patient's financial position. I have a problem when there is a distinct variance in treatment because of the financial status of a patient. Is a wealthy person's life more valuable than that of a homeless person? I think not, but sadly that is what I am witnessing as of late. As stated in one of my earlier posts, I have seen doctors reluctantly and in some cases, even refuse to treat a patient because of that person's inability to pay.

It is wise to get health insurance. Most physicians are professional and do what is in the best interest of all patients. But you do have a few that see "stars" when they view one patient more important than another one. Some doctors know the billing codes better than the person doing the actual billing. Why is that? Because the sad reality is that is "all about the dollar".

Don't Medicare Patients Deserve Better?

Greetings:


I ran across an article today, even though I found it interesting, I feel it's quite sad. I can tell you first hand from my experience in the healthcare field, the medical sector has changed quite a bit. I knew when I first started in healthcare, that is was a business. But taking care of patients was still the first priority. Of course, we had to bill for services (we had to earn a living too, right?) But now, the hospitals are becoming pretty bold with its business-oriented style and leadership.

Unfortunately, this has trickled down into the patient care area. I have witnessed, doctors refusing or reluctance to treat patients that do not have "good insurance". This is pretty sad, in deed. But these are the times that we are in, now. I heard in years past (before my time) doctors would come to your home if you were ill (housecalls, I think was the term that it was referred as). That time has passed and is probably not coming back.

Some doctors now use the excuse that the patient is too big of a risk for his or her every rising malpractice insurance. I worked at a small urgent care clinic and I was told that the doctor refused to treat an elderly patient because he did not accept Medicare. With the recent EMTALA laws, I did not think that physician could do this (isn't there something called a hypocritical, I mean Hippocratic oath?). According to this law, a healthcare professional can refuse to provide medical services, but first must make sure that the patient is stabilized for transport to another medical facility.

I know it is very difficult for our senior community with limited income, but options are limited to: trying to locate a facility that will take medicare, refusing to seek medical care because of the inability to pay ( I have seen this many times), or trying to purchase a Medicare supplement policy. I realize it's difficult, but unfortunately the options are limited.

Oh, I almost forgot... here is the article that got me going.

http://www.gethealthyharlem.org/links/finding-doctor-who-accepts-medicare




Rico Henderson is the owner Henderson Insurance Agency, providing Medicare Supplement and Health Insurance and Affordable Texas Auto Insurance. To learn more, visit his site at All-AboutInsurance.net.






Henderson Insurance Agency
3960 Broadway Blvd., Ste 111
Garland, TX 75043
972-840-0700
spehenderson@HendersonInsuranceNow.com

Why Not Get A Comparative Quote?

Observing my wife's experiences as an insurance agent, I have noticed the great loyalty displayed by clients. She has come in contact with people that had been with an insurance company for 5, 10, 15+ years. They are steadfast in their fidelity to that particular insurance company. Most feel very comfortable with an agent and the company that agent represent (this is a good thing because interpersonal relationships are very important). But what happens when that agent get complacent and stop following up with you throughout the year to update your policy or the Christmas cards or thank you cards stop coming?

I am shocked and dismayed that many policyholders have not inquired for an updated quote to see if they qualify for discounted rates that they may have not qualified for initially, ie. loyalty, multi-car, or multi-policy discounts. In addition, because the insured has been with an insurance company for so long, the thought had not occurred to try to get a quote from another insurance agency. Let me tell you , there is nothing wrong with doing this! There is nothing wrong or disloyal about trying to save money. Our present economic times are tough, and it's prudent to try to save money, whenever possible.

When you get a comparative quote from another agency, it is very important to know the coverages you presently have on your policy. It may be easier for yourself and the agent that you are getting the quote from if you have it with you, or better yet, if you are able to fax or email the insurance agent your declaration page. Your declaration page gives you a summary of your coverages, costs, discounts, limits of liability, and any endorsements that you may have added to your policy. This enables the agent to compare "apples to apples" and match your present coverages with the coverage that will be included in your quotes. As time goes by, your needs may changes, so the quote may contain additional recommendations that should be fully explained by the agent. It's important to make sure that you are adequately insured.

I can not overstate the importance of periodically obtaining a comparative quote. Competition will work in your favor because of the highly competitive business of insurance. Therefore, this is a plus for any consumer looking to save money.

Rico Henderson is the owner Henderson Insurance Agency, providing Affordable Texas Auto Insurance. To learn more, visit his site at All-AboutInsurance.net.



Henderson Insurance Agency

3960 Broadway Blvd., Ste. 111

Garland, TX 75043

972 - 840 - 0700