Insurance Programs

The Insurance Advisor provides a diverse selection of information to help you make better insurance-related decisions for your business and your family.

• Be Fire Smart! - October is Fire Safety Month Take these 6 fire safety tips from Liberty Mutual and learn how to BE FIRE SMART!
  
  
• Liberty Mutual's Quote for Hope Campaign Kicks off on October 1, 2009 - Partnering with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure ®, Liberty Mutual will donate $5 to the fight against breast cancer for every auto, home and renters insurance quote completed online.
  
  
• Three reasons to consider keeping spouse life insurance in a bad economy - In a bad economy, there are many ways to cut costs to weather the financial storm. As a financial professional, you've probably sharpened your pencils and given your own personal budget the once-over to see where costs can be cut and expenses lowered. But if you've considered dropping your spouse life insurance, here are three reasons why that short-term financial decision may not be worth it in the long run.
  
  
• Avoiding Fake Slips, Trips, and Falls - Slip and fall claims represent a significant fraud risk because they can be easy to fake and difficult to disprove. Follow these tips to avoid fraudulent slip and fall claims at your business.
  
  
• Avoid frozen pipes when the weather gets cold. - The following advice can help make this common occurrence a lot less disastrous.
  
  
• Baby Boomers and Heart Disease: What You Need to Know - Cardiovascular disease kills 950,000 Americans each year and is the leading cause of death in the United States. Baby Boomers are now at the greatest risk and need to pay particular attention to maintaining good heart health.
  
  
• Brake For Safety - Learning the right way to use your anti-lock braking system (ABS), and practicing some simple safety measures can help you steer clear of accidents.
  
  
• Dos and Don'ts When Your Back is Hurting - Avoid sitting. If you must sit, get up and move around every 20 minutes. Sit with your knees at hip level or slightly higher than your hips. Use a small towel rolled behind your back to add support in the lumbar (waist) area.
  
  
• Gambling with your Future: Two Major Risks of Foregoing Life Insurance - The rocky economy has everyone looking for ways to save, but putting off purchasing life insurance could be costly in the long run. Check out the two major risks of foregoing life insurance.
  
  
• Can You Pass This Driver's Ed Quiz? - It never hurts to refresh your knowledge regarding safe and defensive driving techniques.
  
  
• The Facts On Flood Insurance - Flood insurance can't prevent the devastation of major water damage to your home, but it can go a long way toward helping you put your life back together.
  
  
• Catastrophe Major Medical Coverage - Read the historical origins of excess major medical coverage, including three sample illustrations of insurance benefits.
  
  
• Catastrophic Illness, Catastrophic Costs - If catastrophic injury or sickness strikes, it is more than possible that your benefits will run out well before the medical bills stop coming. In today's high-cost health care environment, supplemental insurance protection begins to make a lot of sense. To help protect yourself and the ones you love, find out about supplemental insurance options.
  
  
• Caution: Hazardous Winter Driving Ahead - Winter weather can create serious driving hazards. But there are some things you can do to help minimize those hazards.
  
  
• Dangerous December - Statistics show that home accidents soar during holiday time. To help keep your December delightful, here are a few reminders about dangers that are easy to overlook.
  
  
• Flood Insurance is Easy to Purchase - Did you know that most homeowners' insurance policies do not cover flooding? Find out how to protect your home from flood damage.
  
  
• Guarding Against E-Mail Viruses - E-mail virus attacks have been a serious and consistent concern for businesses of all types and size. Recent attacks by e-mail viruses have damaged computers, corrupted business data, and caused the loss of critical access.
  
  
• Catastrophic Major Medical Checklist - Does your basic health insurance coverage protect your assets and financial well being should catastrophic illness or injury strike?
  
  
• Don't Get All Wet - Do you live in a Flood Zone? Even if you don't live near water, you may be at risk for flooding.
  
  
• Good Drivers Still Need Personal Umbrella Insurance - Experience indicates that CPA¿s are good drivers, however any time on the road a serious accident can occur where you may be only slightly or not negligent resulting in a lawsuit substantially greater then the limit available under the primary auto policy. Read about the exposure.
  
  
• 2008 Hurricane Season Predicted To Be Above Average - With the official start of hurricane season only a few days away, coastal residents need to make sure that they are properly prepared for the above average hurricane season predicted for 2008, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).
  
  
• Choosing Sunscreen - The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen year round with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher. (Insight dated June 2007)
  
  
• Winter's Last Blast - You may be dreaming of spring, but don¿t forget the cold, hard facts: Old Man Winter still has plenty of time to deliver a deadly blizzard or ice storm. Follow these tips if you lose power in your home or are stranded in your car.
  
  
• Cleaning Tips For Allergy Sufferers - If you suffer from seasonal allergies, consider these tips to help relieve some suffering.
  
  
• Estate Planning: Prepare for Your Family's Future Today - You may think that only the uber-wealthy need to worry about estate planning. These days, that's not the case. If you have any financial responsibilities -- such as a house or children -- you need to take steps to plan for their future and protect your estate, and those who depend on you for support and security.
  
  
• Diabetes - Tips for Prevention - Unfortunately, as you get older, your risk for diabetes increases. But there is good news: the disease can be prevented through small lifestyle changes in diet and physical activity levels.
  
  
• Dealing with the Death of Your Spouse - The death of a spouse is a loss everyone hopes they never have to deal with. But unfortunately, it is a tragedy you may have to confront. If the worst does happen, it's important to have a plan in place to help you work through what is sure to be an emotional and difficult time. Here are five things you can do now to prepare:
  
  
• The Newlyweds' Guide to Life Insurance - One important task that often doesn't rank as a priority for newly married couples is the purchasing of life insurance. Find out the top three questions to consider for choosing the right amount of life insurance coverage for your new family's financial plan.
  
  
• Glossary - Refer to the glossary when completing online applications, quote requests or when seeking clarification of a policy term.
  
  
• Most Baby Boomers underestimate their risk for disability: Check out these three steps for staying healthy - The current economic crisis has revealed the vulnerability of many Baby Boomers financial plans and underestimates their risk for disability. Find out what three simples steps can keep you healthy.
  
  
• Heart-Healthy Tips: Your Heart Will Thank You - Heart disease causes more deaths in the U.S. than any other cause. Keep your heart beating strong by following three heart-healthy rules.
  
  
• Help Lower Diabetes Risk - As the new year rolls around, many people find themselves making resolutions to lead a healthier lifestyle. Did you know that just a few small lifestyle changes can go a long way when it comes to avoiding serious health problems like diabetes? Find out how you can help lower your diabetes risk with these three easy steps.
  
  
• How Much Life Insurance Does a Stay-at-Home Spouse Need? -
  With all the different roles they perform, stay-at-home spouses could be considered the CEOs of their families. Unlike CEOs, however, they don't earn an income. But that doesn't mean they don't need life insurance to cover their household contributions.
  
  
• How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Your Home - Safety matters to us all- Safety matters to us all! You can prevent CO poisoning from happening in your home by reading this article and taking these basic, common sense precautions.
  
  
• Just married? Plan for your future with Life Insurance - One important task that often doesn't rank as a priority for newly married couples is the purchasing of life insurance. Find out why life insurance is an important part of your new family's financial plan.
  
  
• Keeping up with Change: Planning Your Protection Portfolio
  
  
• Life Safety Evacuation and Accessibility Planning For the Disabled
  
  
• Long Term Care insurance: Buying now can save your wallet in the long run - Can you afford to pay for long term care? You may spend years building your assets only to have your plans for a secure lifestyle threatened by the financial impact of a debilitating accident or illness. All that you worked for could be put at risk.
  
  
• Lifestyle Changes - When do you need to purchase life insurance? - If you're like many Americans, you may unwittingly be putting your family at risk of a financial disaster.
  
  
• Long Term Care insurance - You're never too young to get coverage - As baby boomers age, healthcare costs rise along with the need for long-term care insurance. Examine the benefits of Long Term Care insurance and the best time to purchase coverage.
  
  
• Making a Home Inventory - The importance of creating and keeping a home inventory has become more evident than ever A good home inventory record is the best way to protect your belongings in the event your home is destroyed in a fire or other covered disaster.
  
  
• Poor Economy - Poor economy underscores your need for protection - Do you have enough life insurance? The struggling economy has left many American families with diminished savings. It's more important than ever to make sure you have a life insurance benefit that would help your family ensure their financial security, as the economy continues to flounder.
  
  
• Remember to Remodel Your Home Insurance - Homeowners should review their home insurance coverage on a yearly basis and it is especially important to do so before beginning any home improvement project.
  
  
• Medicare Prescription Drug Plans - Making an Informed Decision - With so many Part D options available, it can be a lot of information to digest in a short timeframe. Since premiums, deductibles, co-payments, co-insurance terms, network pharmacies, and eligible drugs can very by plan, be sure to compare prescription drug plans (PDPs) available in your area before choosing to enroll.
  
  
• Leaders Don't Grow on Trees - More and more, CPA firms recognize that a defining characteristic of their enterprise is human, rather than financial or geographical. They understand their culture is driven by the values and vision of its leaders, and creates the foundation for the future generations.
  
  
• Medicare Part D Q&A
  
  
• Important Medicare Part D Dates for 2009-2010 - Medicare's Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), has a yearly open enrollment period from November 15 to December 31. During this open enrollment period all Part D participants can make changes in their plan choice or switch plans without penalty. Read More about what to know and how to save.
  
  
• New Medicare Benefit Scam Alert - Before you sign up for Medicare Part D, be sure you know who you're talking to. Since plan enrollment began last November, Part D scams have been on the rise. To protect yourself and your loved ones from the threat of fraudulent activity and identity theft, learn how to distinguish real Plans from counterfeit ones.
  
  
• Tips To Keep You Safe Over The Winter Months - As the weather turns colder, alternative methods to keep warm if not used safely, could cause household fires. Learn safe alternate methods for heating your home, as well as candle safety.
  
  
• New Preventative Services Covered by Medicare - (Insight dated December, 2006)
  Did you know Medicare covers many preventative health screenings and exams? Review the Recommended Health Screenings List provided by the U.S. Department of Health, and see if the services you need are covered.
  
  
• Assess Your Personal Liability Risk - Are your hard-earned assets and income at risk? Review the AICPA Insurance Program's Personal Liability Umbrella Coverage Risk Checklist to determine if you face the threat of risk exposures.
  
  
• Life insurance: A Security Blanket for your Baby - Have a new baby on the way? Congratulations! Investing in life insurance may be one of the most important ways you can protect your new baby. Life insurance can give you peace of mind knowing your bundle of joy will be financially secure if something were to happen to you or your spouse.
  
  
• October is National Fire Prevention Month - It's a staggering fact that a fire alarm goes off in this country every 20 seconds, sending fire fighters to battle a potentially deadly house fire. Would you know what to do in case of a fire? Would your kids? October is National Fire Prevention Month, and to mark that observance, Liberty Mutual offers these tips to reduce the risk of fire in your home.
  
  
• Part D Terms and Definitions - Glossary of terms often used in materials about Part D.
  
  
• Most Common Causes of Disabilities and How to Prevent Them - May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month. It's a good time to consider the question: is your lifestyle safeguarded should you suffer a long-term or a permanent disability? Find out what you can do to help prevent a disability and take important steps to protect one of your most valuable assets -- your income.
  
  
• Preventing Slips and Falls - Cleaning products can be the direct cause of many slips and falls at home and in the workplace. Different types of floors require different methods of care, and following specific maintenance procedures for each surface can reduce your accident risk.
  
  
• Protecting Your Pet During a Disaster - Include your pets in your family disaster plan.
  
  
• Put Down the Pack: More Reasons Keep that New Year¿s Resolution to Quit Smoking - Any smoker will tell you that quitting smoking is tough. In fact, the withdrawal symptoms ¿ dizziness, headaches, fatigue and mood swings to name a few ¿ are enough of an inconvenience to dissuade many smokers from giving up the habit.
  
  
• Protect Your Belongings with Renters Insurance - Insurance is not just for homeowners but also for people who rent. Renters insurance protects the possessions that matter to you from theft, fire and some types of water damage.
  
  
• Return to Work after Disability - Returning to work after a disability can be an uplifting experience, but one that requires a little planning ahead. Check out three steps you can take to make the transition a rewarding one.
  
  
• Selecting an Ergonomic Chair - A stable, comfortable, seated posture is necessary to prevent workplace injury exposures created by awkward positions. That's why selecting the proper ergonomic chair is critical for jobs that require individuals to assume seated positions for considerable lengths of time. What exactly is an ergonomic chair? And what criteria can be used to select the best product?
  
  
• Senior Fitness - To succeed at any senior fitness program, start slowly, build the program over time, and engage in an activity you enjoy. Developing an exercise routine is easy - just follow these five important tips.
  
  
• Wildlife and Motor Vehicle Crashes - Each year there are 500,000 to 750,000 car-animal collisions that result in more than 100 deaths. The most serious crashes occur when a motorist swerves to avoid a deer and hits another vehicle or fixed object, or when the vehicle rolls over. Be aware of the times and places when moose and deer are more likely to be on the roads.
  
  
• Should you have supplemental major medical insurance? - The AICPA Group Catastrophe Major Medical Insurance Plan supplements your basic major medical insurance by paying for eligible expenses and out-of-network services not covered by your primary insurance.
  
  
• Small Steps for Your Health - There are many things the "experts" tell us to do to get to and stay at a healthy weight and prevent type 2 diabetes... but where should you start? Unfortunately, as you get older, your risk for diabetes increases. But there is good news: the disease can be prevented through small lifestyle changes in diet and physical activity levels.
  
  
• Stages of life: When do you need to purchase life insurance? - If you're like many Americans, you may unwittingly be putting your family at risk of a financial disaster. A recent report conducted by LIMRA International finds that nearly a third of Americans don't have any life insurance coverage.
  
  
• Staying Healthy from 9 to 5 - The busy schedules of many professionals can certainly take its toll on staying healthy during the upcoming cold and flu season. Find out how a little planning ahead can go a long way.
  
  
• Summer Fun, Family Safety - Whether you're soaking up the sun and surf at the beach, sharing marshmallows and stories around a campfire or chasing fireflies at a backyard barbecue, summer is all about getting out with family and friends. Enjoy your outdoor adventures with the help of these safety tips.
  
  
• The 4 Myths of Long Term Care - There are many misconceptions about how people can prepare for Long Term Care. Read 4 common myths about Long Term Care Insurance.
  
  
• Safe Cars - Liberty Mutual has been in the business of helping people live safer, more secure lives for more than 85 years. And keeping drivers safer on the road is one of their primary concerns.
  
  
• The Advantages of Your Medicare Supplement - (Insight dated April, 2007)
  Medicare is available nationwide and pays for many health care services and supplies; however, it doesn't pay all of your health care costs. That's why Medicare Supplement insurance is so important. Find out what Medicare Supplement covers, and remember the AICPA Medicare Supplement Program is available to members as well as your parents.
  
  
• What's Not Changing for AICPA Members - AICPA Medicare Supplement Program coverage is not changing, only the prescription drug portion is. AICPA Members currently insured in the AICPA Medicare Supplement Insurance Program can keep their current coverage without interruption regardless of whether or not they enroll in Part D.
  
  
• The Cost of Raising a Child - How Much Can You Expect to Spend? Adding a member to the family is a big financial responsibility. Find out why the high price tag of raising a family leads many to turn to life insurance protection as part of their family's financial plan.
  
  
• Three Easy Steps to Help Lower Diabetes Risk - Small lifestyle changes can go a long way when it comes to avoiding serious health problems. Find out how with these three easy steps.
  
  
• Tips for a Healthy, Pain-Free Back - Few of us are lucky to make it through life without experiencing some sort of back pain. Follow these simple steps to help you on your way toward a healthy, pain-free back.
  
  
• Too busy to apply for life insurance? Think again. - Life insurance is an important part of sound financial planning. And now, with CPA Life, the AICPA-endorsed term life insurance plan, applying for coverage is easier than ever - and available online!
  
  
• Traveling Abroad: the Insurance Checklist You May Have Never Considered - Before you leave for your trip, make sure you've considered how your auto and homeowners policies server you on foreign soil.
  
  
• Unusually Dry Weather Sparks Wildfires Throughout the Country; I.I.I. Provides Insurance Tips for Home and Business Owners To Be Better Prepared - Wildfires and dry weather spark wildfires throughout the country. The Insurance Information Institutive (I.I.I.) provides Insurance Tips for Home and Business Owners.
  
  
• Warming Up to On-the-job Exercise - Regular exercise can be an effective part of an employee fitness program designed to address work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). The likelihood of developing a WRMSD can be reduced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, working at a well-adjusted workstation, alternating tasks, and developing an effective exercise routine according to these valuable guidelines.
  
  
• Wheels of Fortune: Are Your Tires as Safe as They Should be? - Review our tire safety checklist. It may contain information you didn't know or may have overlooked.
  
  
• When's the Right Time to Evaluate Your Life Insurance Coverage - Are you one of millions of Americans who are underinsured? As your lifestyle changes, so should your life insurance coverage amount. Find out the four key life insurance triggers to help evaluate your life insurance coverage and make sure your loved ones are protected financially.
  
  
• Your Teenage Driver and Insurance - As a parent one of the most challenging responsibilities and exposures you face is how you handle your teenage child's use of the car.
  
  
• What to Do After a Car Accident - On average, an auto accident occurs every five seconds in the United States. If you or your family were involved in a collision or fender bender, would you know what to do?