The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day has been dubbed by auto club AAA and Volvo as "The 100 Deadliest Days" for teen drivers.

On the heels of our recent post about the need for a clear understanding of Identity Theft Coverage, we came across this story. It highlights the vulnerability of identity theft due to the latest technology in debit and credit cards: Radio Frequency Identification or RFID.

What does it cover? And is it necessary to purchase additional Identity Theft Coverage?

Do you worry about someone hacking into your computer and stealing your private information? Many of us bank, manage credit cards, report our income taxes online, and use social media websites. All of these sites are password protected and that means we’re all aware of the importance of keeping our passwords to ourselves or sharing with others in a secure fashion.

Do you ever think about your sump pump?

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.