While many of us are glad school is in session, the countless extra-curricular activities that go hand-in-hand with the school year are in full gear. From football practice to French Club, each day brings new opportunities for parents everywhere to practice our favorite avocation—family shuttle service operator. And if your family is like my family, you’re probably shuttling not just your own kids but your kids’ friends as well.

While we’re mostly concerned with just getting our brood and their belongings sanely and safely from home to activity and back again, have you ever thought how those additional passengers would be covered by your auto insurance policy in the event of an accident? For instance, if you were held liable as a result of an automobile accident in which one of your kids’ friends got hurt, would your policy provide coverage for that child?

When you need to file a claim, your insurance company wants to reach a fair and quick resolution as much as you do. Here are a few tips that you can follow to help speed up the claims process.

Have you ever had a friend at your house and they tripped on a step and got hurt? Accidents happen, often by no fault of yours. That’s why it’s important you carry medical payment coverage on your insurance policy.

Most homeowners policies include a small limit for medical payment coverage. Medical payment coverage is what it sounds like - a no-fault limit of insurance available for medical bills that accumulate because someone was hurt while on your property.

There are no set rules. But there are considerations if you’re deciding whether or not an older vehicle still needs collision coverage.

What is your vehicles actual cash value?
www.nada.com or www.kbb.com are website sources you can use to determine the actual cash value.

Notice an increase in your homeowners insurance premium? While it doesn’t make it any easier, it’s important to know you’re not alone. Most homeowners insurance companies across the nation are increasing the price they charge to protect your home and its contents. 

Why, you ask? In a word: weather. Just in the period between April and June of 2011, catastrophic weather events caused $15 billion in property damage across the nation, making the second quarter of 2011 the most-expensive second quarter on record for catastrophe-related weather losses. 

New Year's Eve is a night of festivities to celebrate the coming year. Our advice is always to make safety a priority. Whether you're staying in and celebrating with friends and family, or traveling to a party or city bash, following a few tips can keep you safe and sound when the clock strikes midnight, ringing in the new year!

Not only do the holidays come with yummy sweets and the risk of a few extra pounds, they also pose safety hazards by increasing the risk of fire and injury. Each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure nearly 3,000 people and cause over $900 million in damage. So our wish for you is to save any burning for the few extra pounds and have a safe holiday season by following these important tips:

America has a serious weight problem. Public Service Announcements to eat better and get active can be seen and heard on television and radio. The concern about the nation’s health has even reached the White House, with First Lady Michelle Obama launching the Let’s Move campaign to fight childhood obesity.

The Thomson Reuters Workforce Wellness Index (WWI) recently published research indicating 6 behavioral risk factors could be linked to 14% of direct healthcare costs in the employed, privately insured workforce. The risk factor with the most impact on healthcare cost is Body Mass Index (BMI). While this study and others have demonstrated BMI’s link to an increase in health risks and costs, many have begun to question the usefulness and accuracy BMI.

Do you rent out rooms and/or your entire home for Notre Dame or Colts football games?  Maybe you’ve thought about doing it but weren’t sure where to start? Our recommendation would be to begin by making sure you’re protected.

Many insurance companies will exclude coverage for liability and theft for this situation. However, there are several insurance companies that will cover this exposure. It’s important to tell your insurance advisor if you are, or are planning to, rent out your home or rooms in your home. Your advisor will want to know how many rooms you are renting out and how many weekends a year you plan to rent.