Hall Insurance Agency, Inc.

We protect the roof over your head and everything under it, especially your sense of security.

We offer broad protection that you can trust, plus affordable rates, and outstanding service.

Hall Insurance Agency's Homeowner's Insurance Policies offer protection for your dwelling, as well as your personal possessions and personal liability.

If something like fire makes your home uninhabitable, our policies cover the increased costs of a place to live until you can move
back in.

We can replace personal belongings at replacement value – not the depreciated value.

homeowner's insurance can help protect you in case of a liability lawsuit against you.

This could occur in a situation where you are held responsible for:

   • Injury to another person
   • Damage to another person’s property

This could apply whether the incident occurred within your residence or elsewhere.

 

Your family's security primarily depends on having a safe, comfortable place to live.

Your policy will contain a description of your home's structure and a list of excluded events. If something happens, you can make
a claim.

Your Residence Type Matters

Structures vary so widely that a different policy is required for each type of home.

   • Condo policy typically covers interior structures like wallboard and lighting fixtures. Depending on your state, your association by-laws, and insurer, external walls will not be covered.

   • Home's entire structure is covered along with sheds and detached garages.

   • Manufactured Home's entire structure is usually covered, while sheds and garages may require an optional policy.

   • Renter's policy usually has no physical structure coverage at all, but it does provide essential liability and contents coverage.

Most Unfortunate Events are Covered

Most insurance companies offer coverage for the same events that may damage the structure of your home, including fire, smoke, lightning, wind, hail, frozen plumbing, theft, explosion, vandalism, the weight of ice and snow, and a few others.

Excluded Events are Named in the Policy

An agent can explain the events that would not be covered by your specific policy when it comes to your home's structure. Typically, floods and earthquakes are excluded from basic policies, but you may be able to get insurance for those with separate policies. A few other conditions most companies specifically exclude are mold, fungus, wet rot, dry rot and bacteria.

 

The kinds of things we are buying are changing. While your parents may have spent a lot of money on furniture, you may find yourself spending more on home electronics and trying to figure out which remote to use.

Taking the time to understand how your coverage works can help you make sure everything you value is adequately covered.

The Amount You Have To Replace Your Stuff

There is a maximum amount your insurance will pay for your personal property. This limit is usually a percentage of your structure limit (the maximum amount your insurance policy will pay to rebuild your home).

Special Categories That Have Limits

Insurance companies group certain kinds of things into categories. Some categories have a maximum amount that can be paid to replace all the items in the category. Within a few categories, there's also a maximum amount to be paid for any single item. To make sure all your stuff is adequately covered, you'll want to go over your policy's category and item limits with your agent. Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost.

Most of your things decrease in value over time. That purple leather sofa isn't worth anywhere near as much as you paid for it back in '92. When you purchase coverage for your personal property, choosing Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost is one of the most important decisions you may need to make.

 

You meant to clean the ice off the stoop before Aunt Anna arrived, but she was early, and now she has a sprained wrist — an injury she really can't afford. Of course, Aunt Anna isn't going to sue you, but it's nice to know you have Guest Medical coverage included in your homeowner's policy so Aunt Anna can be reimbursed for her emergency room visit. Policy holders with Guest Medical coverage can feel confident in offering to help pay for that trip to the emergency room.

Typically, Guest Medical pays for medical expenses (up to policy limits) caused by accidents at your home that are not covered by liability protection.

Reasonable medical expenses incurred to resolve a medical emergency will be reimbursed, for example:

 

Accidents Happen...

...and so do lawsuits. Liability insurance helps keep a stranger's misfortune from becoming yours. For example, letting a tree branch grow over the sidewalk doesn't look like a dangerous hazard. But if a child is knocked off her parent's shoulder, falling to the sidewalk – you could potentially be accused of negligence and sued. If you are found liable in court, your personal assets could be at risk.

Family Liability Coverage helps protect you against the financial uncertainty arising from injury or property damage that you or your family may cause to other people – on or away from your property. It typically includes compensation for the injured party, the cost of defending you in court and any court awards or settlements up to the limits of your policy.

Rental Property

If you're insuring your rental property with a homeowner's policy, you may be spending more than you need to. The Landlords Policy can help protect landlords with smaller properties-from single-family homes up to four family-rental units. It helps cover:

   • Up to 12 months of lost rental income

   • Damages to your property

   • Damages you are legally obligated to pay

   • Legal fees

Coverage Landlords Need

As a landlord, you need more protection than an average homeowner's policy provides. In addition to property and liability coverage, the Landlords Policy provides coverage for special risks landlords face.

Liability Protection

Your rental property can put you at risk of a lawsuit. This coverage provides protection against non-auto liability injury claims or property damage occurring on your property.

Fair Rental Income

If you can't rent out your property because it's damaged, you're losing valuable rental income. With Fair Rental Income protection, if your property becomes uninhabitable because of a covered loss, you'll receive compensation for the rental income you would have received. This covers the time required to either repair or replace the rental unit - up to a maximum of 12 months.

Do your Tenants have Renter's Coverage?

If your property is robbed, your landlord's policy likely won't pay to replace any of your tenants stuff. Make sure your tenants have coverage for personal property, family liability, guest medical and additional living expenses. Have them ask us about Renter's coverage. Have you Considered Purchasing a Personal Umbrella Policy?

As a landlord, having the proper protection is important. ask us about our personal umbrella polices.

 

homeowner's Insurance Discounts

Multiple Line Discounts:

When you purchase your homeowner's and auto insurance from Hall Insurance Agency Inc., you could be eligible for premium discounts on both policies.

Home Alert Discounts:

You may qualify for premium discounts for having such devices as fire or smoke detectors, or burglar alarms (this may not be available in some states or provinces).

In addition, you may be able to lower your premiums with higher deductibles.

Higher deductibles lower your premium, but increase the amount you must pay out of your own pocket if a covered loss occurs. Ask yourself how much you are willing to pay in order to save
on premium.

 

Consider the following three questions with the help of your agent:

   • How high should my liability coverage limits be

No one can predict exactly how much you would have to pay if you were to cause an accident. Ask yourself how you would pay for any damages exceeding your coverage limits.

he higher your liability coverage limits are, the more likely your policy will be able to pay all of the damages.

   • How high or low should my collision and comprehensive deductibles be?

Higher deductibles lower your premium but increase the amount you must pay out of your own pocket if a loss occurs. Ask yourself how much you would be willing and able to pay on short notice in order to save on your premium.

   • Should I carry collision and comprehensive coverage?

You may be required to carry collision or comprehensive coverage if your vehicle is leased or financed. Once you have paid off your car, and its value decreases, you might consider dropping these coverages to save money on premiums. Consider, though, whether the savings would be enough to offset the risk of having to pay the entire cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle.

 

The cost of car insurance varies by insurance company and by:

   • What you buy

   • How many coverages you buy

   • The deductibles

   • What kind of car you drive

If you are buying or selling a car, you will need to re-evaluate your auto insurance needs.Generally, the more expensive the car, the more you pay.

   • Where you drive

Generally, due to higher rates of vandalism, theft, and accidents, urban drivers pay more for auto insurance than those in small towns or rural areas.

   • How much you drive

People who use their car for business and long-distance commuting normally pay more than those who drive less.

   • Your age, sex and marital status

Accident rates are higher for all drivers under age 25, especially young males and single males. Insurance prices in most states reflect these differences.

   • Your driving record

Drivers who cause accidents generally must pay more than those who are accident-free for several years.

   • Your credit history

Studies have shown that credit history is a powerful predictor of future auto insurance losses. Many insurance companies consider certain credit characteristics in addition to many other factors when determining an individual's rate.

What can I do to save money on my auto insurance?

   • If you're shopping for a car, consider how your choice will affect premiums.

   • Some insurers increase premiums for cars more susceptible to damage or occupant injury, and lower rates for those that fare better than the norm.

   • Ask about discounts for good students, insuring more than one vehicle, accident-free driving, and others.

   • Consider joining a car or van pool, or finding other transportation to work. If you reduce your driving mileage enough, you may lower your premiums.

   • Drive carefully.

 

Auto Insurance Coverage and Deductible Options

What is a deductible?

A deductible is the part of a covered loss that you have agreed to pay with your own money. If you file a claim against your insurance, you will pay only the amount of the deductible. Your insurance provider will pay the rest - up to your coverage limit. When choosing a deductible, you must decide how much you would be willing and able to pay out-of-pocket, if you ever had to file a claim. Typically, higher eductibles mean lower premiums.

Who does my auto insurance policy cover?

An Auto Insurance policy typically covers:

   • You and your spouse

   • Relatives who live in your home

   • Other licensed drivers who have permission to drive your insured vehicle.

Types of auto insurance coverage

An Auto Insurance policy generally consists of several kinds of coverages. Because all 50 states have different laws when it comes to Auto Insurance, the following coverage descriptions are simply general information. They are not statements of contract. To learn more about auto insurance in your area, contact an agent.

Most Common Coverages:

   • Liability - Auto liability coverage pays for the damage if you are legally responsible for accidentally injuring someone, or for damaging another vehicle or other property in an auto accident. Auto liability coverage falls into two categories:

   • Bodily Injury Liability - which covers medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other special damages.

   • Property Damage Liability - which covers damaged property, and may include loss of use.

Liability coverage also pays legal defense and court costs. State laws usually dictate the minimum amounts of insurance required, but higher amounts are available.

   • Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - This coverage pays the reasonable and necessary medical expenses for covered persons for treatment due to an auto accident. It may also pay for:

   • Rehabilitation

   • Lost earnings

   • Replacement of services (For example, child care if a parent is disabled.)

   • Funeral expenses

Medical Payments

This coverage is available in most states. It pays medical and funeral expenses for covered persons when those expenses are related to an auto accident.

Collision

This coverage helps pay for damage to a covered vehicle caused by:

   • Collision with another vehicle

   • Collision with an object

   • A vehicle rollover

A deductible is required.

Comprehensive

This coverage helps pay for loss of or damage to an insured vehicle, not caused by a collision or vehicle rollover. Examples of this type of damage or loss include:

   • Fire

   • Wind

   • Hail

   • Flood

   • Vandalism

   • Theft

   • Hitting an animal

A deductible may apply.

Uninsured Motorist

This coverage pays for damages when a covered person is injured in an auto accident caused by a driver who does not have Liability Insurance. In some states this coverage may also pay for property damage. This coverage varies by state and depends upon policy provisions.

Underinsured Motorist

This coverage pays for damages when a covered person is injured in an auto accident caused by another driver who has insufficient Liability Insurance. Application of this coverage varies by state and depends upon policy provisions.

Rental Reimbursement

This coverage pays for renting a car when your auto is disabled due to an auto accident. Daily allowances or limits vary by state or policy provisions.

Emergency Road Service

This coverage pays for having your auto towed due to a breakdown. Towing limits vary by state or policy provisions. This information is only a general description of the available coverages and is not a statement of contract. All coverages are subject to all policy provisions and applicable endorsements.

 

As a business owner, you're used to taking some risks. But your insurance company doesn't have to be one of them. Our agents understand the needs of small businesses like yours and can help protect your business and plan a roadmap for your financial future.

Combined with the exceptional claim service and stability of the companies we offer, we can help you build a plan that gives you the peace of mind you need. Talk to one of our agents about the many different options for your business.

Retail and Service

Business owners get comprehensive protection for buildings, business personal property, loss of income and business liability.

Office and Professionals

Professionals or owners of office buildings can get comprehensive protection for their buildings, business personal property, loss of income, and business liability. Optional coverages allow you to tailor the insurance to your specific needs.

Small Contractors

As a self-employed contractor, you have special insurance needs. The average policy will provide comprehensive coverage for your business personal property as well as the liability insurance you need to protect yourself and your business. Multiple options are available to tailor coverage to fit your needs.

Home Business

Your homeowner's insurance may not adequately cover your home business. Contact one of our agents for assistance.

Rental Properties

Hall Insurance offers policies to insure both residential rental properties and commercial office buildings. Optional coverages allow you to tailor your insurance to your specific needs.

Hall Insurance offers policies tailored to insure apartment buildings, dwellings rented to others and condominium units held for rental. Coverage includes buildings, liability protection, and loss of rents insurance. Loss assessment protection is available to owners of residential property in condominiums, homeowner's associations, and other planned communities. A wide array of options and coverages are available to fit your needs.

 

Business Auto insurance provides comprehensive coverage against damage or liability claims involving a business vehicle.

Whether you have a small operations or a fleet, if your business depends on vehicles, Hall Insurance business auto insurance can meet your needs.

Who and what we can cover

Hall Insurance business auto insurance can provide coverage for a wide variety of vehicles such as delivery vans, refrigerated vehicles, tractor-trailers, utility trucks and private passenger vehicles used in many types of businesses, including florists, contractors, real estate, retail, wholesale, farming and more.

**Coverage options

**Coverage availability may vary by location, vehicle type, and business use.

Value you want, personal service you deserve

Business auto insurance offers you comprehensive coverage
at a competitive rate. It also offers you our unbeatable service. Twenty-four hours a day, wherever you go, count on prompt
and fair claim service from your agent here at Hall Insurance Agency Inc.

 

As a business owner, you may need workers' compensation insurance to protect employees who are injured on the job and to comply with workers' compensation laws. Hall Insurance can
help you.

Hall Insurance offers several products to cover your liability insurance needs. Please contact us for more detailed information.

Architects & Engineers Professional Liability

Under this policy, certain architects and engineers are protected from claims alleging a negligent act, error or omission in the performance of their professional services.

Accountants Professional Liability

Certain accountants and related businesses are protected from claims alleging a negligent act, error or omission in the performance of professional accounting services.

Commercial Liability Umbrella

For businesses that need $1 million or more of liability protection, Commercial Liability Umbrella Policies offer broad coverage at a sensible price.

Dentists Professional Liability

Under this policy, certain dentists are protected from claims arising out of a Dental Incident (i.e. act, error, omission or mistake) in performing professional services. Professional services are those dental services the insured is trained, licensed and qualified to perform.

Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)

Business owners with employees need EPLI to cover claims for harassment, discrimination or wrongful termination. It is specifically designed to help protect the insured and their business in the event an employee brings a suit or administrative charge.

Miscellaneous Errors & Omissions Liability

Under this policy, specific customers are protected from liability arising from a negligent act, error or omission in the performance of their professional service. An important benefit of this product is coverage for legal defense costs. Even when found innocent, the legal costs can be substantial.

Not-For-Profit Directors & Officers with Employment Practices Liability

This product is similar to the above, but protects the directors and officers of not-for-profit organizations in the event of a suit for an actual or alleged wrongful act in connection with management. EPLI coverage is also included to help protect the organization in the event that an employee brings a suit or administrative charge related to the organization's employment practices.

This may include charges for sexual harassment, discrimination or wrongful termination.

Technology Services Errors & Omissions Liability

This policy protects specific types of businesses that provide their customers with technology services. This coverage can help protect the insured from liability arising from mistakes, whether real or alleged.

 

What is a Surety Bond?

A surety bond is a three party written agreement whereby a SURETY guarantees a specific performance on behalf of a PRINCIPAL (customer/insured) to an OBLIGEE. The Obligee is usually a government entity such as a City, Town, or State.

Types of Surety bonds

   • License and Public Bonds

   • Public Official Bonds

   • Probate and other Court Bonds

   • Miscellaneous Surety Bonds

   • Contract Performance Bonds

License & Permit Bonds

License bonds guarantee the Principal will comply with applicable codes and regulations established by the Obligee. (The Obligee is usually a government entity such as a City, Town, or State.) Permit bonds grant a Privilege.

Types include:

   • Electrician's license

   • Plumber's license

   • General Contractor's license

   • Driveway permit

   • Sign permit

   • Sales tax

Example: Electrical contractors may be required to post a bond as part of their licensing requirements. The obligation of the bond may specify that the contractor will follow the electrical codes established in that city, town, or municipality.

The requirements of the bond and ordinance must be understood before the bond is written. The agent may ask you to obtain a copy of the ordinance or law that specifies the requirements and a copy of the bond, if the Obligee has its own. Depending upon the type of obligation, supporting documentation such as signatures, financial statements, and other supplemental information may be required.

Public Official

A Public Official bond guarantees that elected or appointed officials will faithfully perform their duties. The bond amount as well as duties are usually specified by statute or ordinance.

Types include:

   • Treasurers

   • Tax Collectors

   • Peace Officers

   • Judges

   • Hunting & Fishing license agents

   • Notaries

It should be noted that not all public entities require Public Officials to be bonded.

Underwriting aspects of Public official bonds include understanding the duties required of the Official, the reputation (character) of the official, and experience of the official.

Probate & Other Court Bonds

A Probate bond guarantees an honest accounting and faithful performance of duties by fiduciaries/trustees. These bonds are required by courts or statutes as estates of deceased persons, incompetent persons, and minors are set up and administered.

(For the estates)
Types include:

   • Administrator

   • Executor

   • Guardian

   • Conservator

   • Trustee

A Bankruptcy or Equity bond might be required of an appointed fiduciary for the sale of real estate or for property in foreclosure, reorganization or other litigation. This bond guarantees an honest accounting and performance of duties while managing and distributing the assets as directed by the court. Common types include Receivers and Trustees.

Other Judicial bonds may be required by a court in cases where someone is seeking legal benefit or relief. These court bonds can be extremely hazardous. Specific supplemental information may be required.

Types include:

   • Appeal

   • Injunction

   • Attachment bonds

   • Release of lien.

Miscellaneous Bonds

Miscellaneous surety bonds include those that do not fit into any of the other surety categories. These are usually more hazardous obligations.

Types include:

   • Utility payment guarantees

   • Lost Security/Lost Instruments (cashier's check, stock certificates, and municipal bonds)

   • Union Wage & Welfare

Miscellaneous surety bonds require more extensive underwriting because the guarantee to the obligee is monetary. In addition to the application, supporting information such as signatures, financial statements, and other supplemental forms are usually required.

Contract Performance Bonds

Simply stated, contract bonds guarantee the performance of a written contract according to its terms and conditions.

Due to the nature of contract surety bonding, contract bonds require extensive underwriting. We recommend contacting Hall Insurance Agency Inc. at least one month before bidding on a contract.

Hall Insurance’s contract bond market focus is on the small artesian contractors market.

Types of Contract Bonds:

   • Bid bond

   • Performance bond

   • Payment bond

A Bid bond guarantees that if a contractor is the low bidder on a project, he/she will enter into a contract and provide a Performance bond.

A Performance bond guarantees the contract will be completed according to its terms and conditions.

A Payment bond guarantees payment of laborers, subcontractors, and material suppliers.

Example: An electrical contractor may need contract bonds to guarantee the performance of construction contract or to guarantee the supply of goods and materials. Most public works projects required Bid, Performance, and Payment bonds from the contractor. These bonds will guarantee the contractor's performance according to the terms of the contract with the project owner.

What is a Fidelity Bond?

A Fidelity Bond will indemnify the insured for loss caused by a fraudulent or dishonest act of a person covered by the bond (generally an employee) with the intent to cause the insured a loss and benefit the employee or others the employee intended to benefit.

Business owners don't typically believe employee dishonesty will happen in their business. However, employee fraud is more common than you think. Did you realize $3 billion dollars of business profits are lost annually due to employee fraud?

Types of employee dishonesty coverage

   • Fidelity Bond Policies (Blanket/Schedule)

   • Option Employee Dishonesty Endorsement

Option Employee Dishonesty Endorsement

   • Option Employee Dishonesty is employee dishonesty coverage covering all EMPLOYEES of the insured.

   • Option employee Dishonesty is an endorsement.

   • Only specific coverage amounts are offered under Option Employee Dishonesty. If more coverage is needed a separate fidelity bond should be considered.

Fidelity Bond Policies - Blanket/Schedule
Blanket Bond

   • Covers ALL EMPLOYEES of the named insured unless specifically excluded.

   • New employees are automatically covered.

   • All employees are bonded for the same aggregate amount.

   • Limit of liability applies 'per occurrence' as defined in the policy.

   • Premiums are based on the amount of coverage requested, the total number of ALL employees, the business activities of the insured, and the amount of the deductible. Common uses for a Blanket Bond would be:

   • Businesses with large numbers of employees

   • Businesses with frequent employee turnover

   • Organizations with voluntary or honorary positions (not for profit associations)

Schedule bond; Name or Position

   • Employees covered are those whose name or position are scheduled.

   • Employees can be bonded for different amounts.

   • Limit of liability is per name/position scheduled.

   • Premiums are based on the amount of coverage, number of individuals scheduled, the amount of coverage for each person listed, the business activities of the insured, and the deductible amount. Common uses for a Schedule Bond are:

   • businesses where employees tend to have greater responsibilities combined with the handling of larger sums of money (real estate managers, bookkeepers)

   • where there are only a few or only selected employees to be covered. (office managers)

 

If you have ever been sick or injured, you know how important it is to have health coverage. But if you're confused about what kind is best for you, you're not alone.

What types of health coverage are available? If your employer offers you a choice of health plans, what should you know before making a decision? In addition to coverage for medical expenses, do you need some other kind of insurance? What if you are too ill to work? Or, if you are over 65,will Medicare pay for all your medical expenses?

These are questions that today's consumers are asking; and these questions aren't necessarily easy to answer.

This booklet should help. It discusses the basic forms of health coverage and includes a checklist to help you compare plans. It answers some commonly asked questions and also includes thumbnail descriptions of other forms of health insurance, including hospital-surgical policies, specified disease policies, catastrophic coverage, hospital indemnity insurance, and disability, long-term care, and Medicare supplement insurance.

While we know that our guide can't answer all your questions, we think it will help you make the right decisions for yourself, your family, and even your business.

 

This type of coverage generally assumes that the medical provider (usually a doctor or hospital) will be paid a fee for each service rendered to the patient - you or a family member covered under your policy. With fee-for-service insurance, you go to the doctor of your choice and you or your doctor or hospital submits a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. You will only receive reimbursement for 'covered' medical expenses, the ones listed in your benefits summary.

When a service is covered under your policy, you can expect to be reimbursed for some, but generally not all, of the cost. How much you will receive depends on the provisions of the policy on coinsurance and deductibles. Here's how it works:

* The portion of the covered medical expenses you pay is called 'coinsurance.' Although there are variations, fee-for-service policies often reimburse doctor bills at 80 percent of the 'reasonable and customary charge.' (This is the prevailing cost of a medical service in a given geographic area.) You pay the other 20 percent - your coinsurance.

However, if a medical provider charges more than the reasonable and customary fee, you will have to pay the difference. For example, if the reasonable and customary fee for a medical service is $100, the insurer will pay $80. If your doctor charged $100, you will pay $20. But if the doctor charged $105, you will pay $25.

Note that many fee-for-service plans pay hospital expenses in full; some reimburse at the 80/20 level as described above.

* Deductibles are the amount of the covered expenses you must pay each year before the insurer starts to reimburse you. These might range from$100 to $300 per year per individual, or $500 or more per family. Generally, the higher the deductible, the lower the premiums, which are the monthly, quarterly, or annual payments for the insurance.

* Policies typically have an out-of-pocket maximum. This means that once your expenses reach a certain amount in a given calendar year, the reasonable and customary fee for covered benefits will be paid in full by the insurer. (If your doctor bills you more than the reasonable and customary charge, you may still have to pay a portion of the bill.) Note that Medicare limits how much a physician may charge you above the usual amount.

* There also may be lifetime limits on benefits paid under the policy. Most experts recommend that you look for a policy whose lifetime limit is at least $1 million. Anything less may prove to be inadequate.

 

The three major types of managed care plans are health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and point-of-service (POS) plans.

Managed care plans generally provide comprehensive health services to their members, and offer financial incentives for patients to use the providers who belong to the plan. In managed care plans, instead of paying separately for each service that you receive, your coverage is paid in advance. This is called prepaid care.

For example, you may decide to join a local HMO where you pay a monthly or quarterly premium. That premium is the same whether you use the plan's services or not. The plan may charge a copayment for certain services - for example, $10 for an office visit, or $5 for every prescription. So, if you join this HMO, you may find that you have few out-of-pocket expenses for medical care - as long as you use doctors or hospitals that participate in or are part of the HMO. Your share may be only the small copayments; generally, you will not have deductibles or coinsurance.

One of the interesting things about HMOs is that they deliver care directly to patients. Patients sometimes go to a medical facility to see the nurses and doctors or to a specific doctor's office. Another common model is a network of individual practitioners. In these individual practice associations (IPAs), you will get your care in a physician's office.

If you belong to an HMO, typically you must receive your medical care through the plan. Generally, you will select a primary care physician who coordinates your care. Primary care physicians may be family practice doctors, internists, pediatricians, or other types of doctors. The primary care physician is responsible for referring you to specialists when needed. While most of these specialists will be 'participating providers' in the HMO, there are circumstances in which patients enrolled in an HMO may be referred to providers outside the HMO network and still receive coverage.

PPOs and POS plans are categorized as managed care plans. (Indeed, many people call POS plans 'an HMO with a point-of-service option.') From the consumer's point of view, these plans combine features of fee-for-service and HMOs. They offer more flexibility than HMOs, but premiums are likely to be somewhat higher.

With a PPO or a POS plan, unlike most HMOs, you will get some reimbursement if you receive a covered service from a provider who is not in the plan. Of course, choosing a provider outside the plan's network will cost you more than choosing a provider in the network. These plans will act like fee-for-service plans and charge you coinsurance when you go outside the network.

What is the difference between a PPO and a POS plan? A POS plan has primary care physicians who coordinate patient care; and in most cases, PPO plans do not. But there are exceptions!

HMOs and PPOs have contracts with doctors, hospitals, and other providers. They have negotiated certain fees with these providers - and, as long as you get your care from these providers, they should not ask you for additional payment. (Of course, if your plan requires a copayment at the time you receive care, you will have to pay that.)

Always look carefully at the description of the plans you are considering for the conditions of payment. Check with your employer, your benefits manager, or your state department of insurance to find out about laws that may regulate who is responsible for payment.

 

Health insurance is generally available through groups and to individuals. Premiums - the regular fees that you pay for health insurance coverage - are generally lower for group coverage. When you receive group insurance at work, the premium usually is paid through your employer.

Group insurance is typically offered through employers, although unions, professional associations, and other organizations also offer it. As an employee benefit, group health insurance has many advantages. Much - although not all - of the cost may be borne by the employer. Premium costs are frequently lower because economies of scale in large groups make administration less expensive. With group insurance, if you enroll when you first become eligible for coverage, you generally will not be asked for evidence that you are insurable. (Enrollment usually occurs when you first take a job, and/or during a specified period each year, which is called open enrollment.) Some employers offer employees a choice of fee-for-service and managed care plans. In addition, some group plans offer dental insurance as well as medical.

Individual insurance is a good option if you work for a small company that does not offer health insurance or if you are self-employed. Buying individual insurance allows you to tailor a plan to fit your needs from the insurance company of your choice. It requires careful shopping, because coverage and costs vary from company to company. In evaluating policies, consider what medical services are covered, what benefits are paid, and how much you must pay in deductibles and coinsurance. You may keep premiums down by accepting a higher deductible.

 

Many people worry about coverage for preexisting conditions, especially when they change jobs. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) helps assure continued health insurance coverage for employees and their dependents. Starting July 1, 1997, insurers could impose only one 12-month waiting period for any preexisting condition treated or diagnosed in the previous six months. Your prior health insurance coverage will be credited toward the preexisting condition exclusion period as long as you have maintained continuous coverage without a break of more than 62 days. Pregnancy is not considered a preexisting condition, and newborns and adopted children who are covered within 30 days are not subject to the 12-monthwaiting period.

If you have had group health coverage for two years, and you switch jobs and go to another plan, that new health plan cannot impose another preexisting condition exclusion period. If, for example, you have had prior coverage of only eight months, you may be subject to a four-month, preexisting condition exclusion period when you switch jobs. If you've never been covered by an employer's group plan, and you get a job that offers such coverage, you may be subject to a 12-month, preexisting condition waiting period.

Federal law also makes it easier for you to get individual insurance under certain situations, including if you have left a job where you had group health insurance, or had another plan for more than 18 months without a break of more than 62 days.

If you have not been covered under a group plan and have found it difficult to get insurance on your own, check with your state insurance department to see if your state has a risk pool. Similar to risk pools for automobile insurance, these can provide health insurance for people who cannot get it elsewhere.

 

If you have had health coverage as an employee benefit and you leave your job, voluntarily or otherwise, one of your first concerns will be maintaining protection against the costs of health care. You can do this in one of several ways:

* First, you should know that under a federal law (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, commonly known as COBRA), group health plans sponsored by employers with 20 or more employees are required to offer continued coverage for you and your dependents for 18 months after you leave your job. (Under the same law, following an employee's death or divorce, the worker's family has the right to continue coverage for up to three years.) If you wish to continue your group coverage under this option, you must notify your employer within 60 days. You must also pay the entire premium, up to 102 percent of the cost of the coverage.

* If COBRA does not apply in your case - perhaps because you work for an employer with fewer than 20 employees - you may be able to convert your group policy to individual coverage. The advantage of that option is that you may not have to pass a medical exam, although an exclusion based on a preexisting condition may apply, depending on your medical history and your insurance history.

* If COBRA doesn't apply and converting your group coverage is not for you, then, if you are healthy, not yet eligible for Medicare, and expect to take another job, you might consider an interim or short-term policy. These policies provide medical insurance for people with a short-term need, such as those temporarily between jobs or those making the transition between college and a job. These policies, typically written for two to six months and renewable once, cover hospitalization, intensive care, and surgical and doctors' care provided in the hospital, as well as expenses for related services performed outside the hospital, such as X-rays or laboratory tests.

* Another possibility is obtaining coverage through an association. Many trade and professional associations offer their members health coverage - often HMOs - as well as basic hospital-surgical policies and disability and long-term care insurance. If you are self-employed, you may find association membership an
attractive route.

 

Q: What is the first thing I should know about buying health coverage?

A: Your aim should be to insure yourself and your family against the most serious and financially disastrous losses that can result from an illness or accident. If you are offered health benefits at work, carefully review the plans' literature to make sure the one you select fits your needs. If you purchase individual coverage, buy a policy that will cover major expenses and pay them to the highest maximum level. Save money on premiums, if necessary, by taking large deductibles and paying smaller costs out-of-pocket.

Q: Can I buy a single health insurance policy that will provide all the benefits I'm likely to need?

A: No. Although you can select a plan or buy a policy that should cover most medical, hospital, surgical, and pharmaceutical bills, no single policy covers everything. Moreover, you may want to consider additional single-purpose policies like long-term care or disability income insurance. If you are over 65, you may want a Medicare supplement policy to fill in the gaps in Medicare coverage.

Q: I'm planning to keep working after age 65. Will I be covered by Medicare or by my company's health insurance?

A: If you work for a company with 20 or more employees, your employer must offer you (through age 69) the same health insurance coverage offered to younger employees. After you reach age 65, you may choose between Medicare and your company's plan as your primary insurer. If you elect to remain in the company plan, it will pay first - for all benefits covered under the plan - before Medicare is billed. In most instances, it is to your advantage to accept continued employer coverage.

But be sure to enroll in Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalization and can supplement your group coverage at no additional cost to you. You can save on Medicare premiums by not enrolling in Medicare Part B until you finally retire. Bear in mind, though, that delayed enrollment is more expensive and entails a waiting period for coverage.

Q: I've had a serious health condition that appears to be stabilized. Can I buy individual health coverage?

A: Depending on what your condition is and when it was diagnosed and treated, you can probably buy health coverage. However, the insurer may do one of three things:
* provide full protection but with a higher premium, as might be the case with a chronic disease, such as diabetes;
* modify the benefits to increase the deductible;
* exclude the specific medical problem from coverage, if it is a clearly defined condition, as long as the insurer abides by state and federal laws on exclusions.

Q: One of my medical bills was turned down by the insurance company (or health plan). Is there anything I can do?

A: Ask the insurance company why the claim was rejected. If the answer is that the service isn't covered under your policy, and you're sure that it is covered, check to see that the provider entered the correct diagnosis or procedure code on the insurance claim form. Also check that your deductible was correctly calculated.

Make sure that you didn't skip an essential step under your plan, such as pre admission certification. If everything is in order, ask the insurer to review the claim.

 

Our Agency gives you the information you need to make your term life insurance decision with confidence. We provide you information from the leading life insurance companies. We provide instant term life insurance quotes, online insurance applications, and online customer service. We give you simple instructions, and competent and qualified staff to respond to your needs over the net or over
the phone.

It has never been easier to purchase term life insurance. For more information please visit Our Company page.

Our extraordinary carrier database means more choices for you and you can rest assured that you can purchase for the lowest premiums available.

Term life insurance is an insurance policy covering a person's life for a specified number of years. It is often offered with a guaranteed premium for a particular number of years. Term life does not have accumulated cash value. Accumulated cash value generally is the distinction between term life insurance and whole life or universal life insurance. Cash value policies are initially much more expensive than term life insurance policies for the same amount of coverage.

Term life insurance is very much like many common commodities in the market place. It is a product that varies very little from company to company. Generally the biggest difference in the product is the price. So that you can choose between many different companies and see the price difference, we provide you a comparison of approximately 25 of the best rates for your age from America's 175 top-rated companies.

Our Agency only quotes from companies with an A.M. Best rating of A- or better. As a result you will be selecting from insurance companies that have been assigned a superior rating of A- or better from the leading independent insurance company rating service... A. M. Best. All you have to do is to decide the amount of life insurance you need and how much you want to pay

Our Agency understands that each person has individual insurance needs. There is no set rule as to how much insurance you need to purchase. You need to decide how much life insurance you want to leave your dependents to carry on in your absence. You have to decide how much support you wish to provide. Many financial planning experts recommend 10 to 20 times your annual earnings. For business life insurance the amount is often even more. For many the answer is simply the amount makes you feel your family is safe.

A level rate guarantee simply means that your premium will not change for a guaranteed period of time. This period of time generally ranges from 5 to 30 years. Our Agency recommends that you purchase a level rate guarantee for the period of time that you intend to keep the policy in force.

Our online quotes are for annual term life insurance premiums. Annual term life insurance premiums are the lowest rates the insurance company offers. However, you may instead pay for your term life insurance premiums on a check-a-matic (monthly), quarterly, or semi-annual basis. These payment options are slightly more expensive than those on an annual basis.

The insurance company cannot begin underwriting your policy until you have completed your free medical exam and they have received your signed application. Generally it takes three to four weeks to complete this process. If the insurance company has to get your doctor's records it will generally take 4 to 7 weeks since the insurance company has to depend upon your doctor's promptness in providing them the records they need.

If your apartment is robbed or the apartment above you has a fire, and the water used to extinguish it floods your apartment, your landlord's policy likely won't pay to replace any of your stuff. That's up to you.

You have a lot of money invested in your personal property — and it's worth protecting. And remember, as a renter, you could experience a loss due to something you have no control over.

Also, keep in mind your need for liability insurance. Say your friend's clumsy cousin trips on your sneakers, falls down the stairs and hurts his back. Like it or not, he could sue you for that. Whether or not he wins, fighting that suit could be an expensive nightmare.

Renter's Policy

A Renter's Policy will protect your personal property the same way it would if you owned a home. Ask your agent about what level of coverage is right for you.

* Personal Property Protection - Covers the loss or damage of your stuff

* Family Liability Protection - Provides legal representation and protection against judgments

* Guest Medical Protection - Covers medical costs for visitors injured at your home

* Additional Living Expenses - Reimbursement for costs of temporary housing during reconstruction

* Replacement Coverage – Allows you to receive the full purchase price of lost items

* High Value Item Coverage – Extends protection beyond your basic policy limits

* Multi-Line (Home + Auto) – Save up to 15% depending on the type of home and the state in which you live.

* Protective Devices – Save up to 15% depending on the combination of installed protective devices.

Although people may believe that having a renter's policy covers everything for them, it doesn't. Flood insurance is not covered by a renter's insurance policy. Ask one of our agents here at Hall Insurance Agency, Inc. if you are eligible for a flood policy.

Heather M.
Thank you so much for having such a great business and making it so easy to be a customer. I say it every time I talk to someone from Hall Insurance but you guys are hands down the best and easiest company to deal with. Thank you for your impeccable customer service. You guys are truly one of a kind.

Kay J.
After 8 years paying the increasing premiums from a national insurance company, I felt it was time to visit an independent agency. I am so glad I chose Hall Insurance Agency. Little did I know how bad my insurance coverage had been, but after discussing my needs with a Hall agent, I got more coverage that suited my life style at a lower cost. I switched my homeowner's and auto coverage, which resulted in a saving of hundreds of dollars. I also was assured that my coverage would be reviewed annually to make sure my insurance needs were being offered at the most reasonable price. I would recommend you call Hall Insurance Agency to see what they can do for you. Sure glad I placed that call.

Michael H.
Even though I'd been with my insurance company for 15 years I decided it was time to shop out all of my insurance policies. I contacted Hall Insurance and Tom quoted everything for me: auto, home, life, commercial general liability, and commercial auto. The new policies had significantly better coverage and saved me thousands of dollars. The service was fast, friendly, and professional. I highly recommend using Hall Insurance. I couldn't be happier.

Mariana C.
They saved me loads of money on my home AND auto insurance. I'd been with my insurance carrier for years and was reluctant to shop, but hundreds of dollars in savings and outstanding customer service helped me make the switch. They are family owned, so I always get someone friendly and helpful to answer my questions. Definitely call. You'll be glad you did.

Michele F.
We recently bought a home in N. Fort Worth. Hall Insurance Agency made the insurance shopping process easy. They quoted us with several companies and we chose the policy with the best rates and benefit for us.

Nelli K.
I have worked with the great folks at Hall Insurance Agency for over 5 years and I must say that they are always prompt in responding to any question or need that I have had. I currently have my dental and my auto insurance with them. I would highly recommend them if you are looking for an insurance broker.

Nathan B.
I have been a customer of theirs for years. Every time i have ever had an issue with my insurance policy, they have been there to help and answered my questions while i was on the phone. I currently have a health insurance policy from them. They made sure to find the best policy that fit my budget and coverage needs. I could ask nothing more. My agent was Tom Hall.

Excellent Service, and great company. I will definitely go back to them for a homeowner's policy when i buy my house.