SavvySugar

Could Twitter and Foursquare Bump the Price of Home Insurance?

GeekSugar — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:47:44 -0800

I suppose this makes sense: a UK-based price comparison website predicted that homeowners insurance rates could rise up to ten percent thanks to the popularity and use of location-based services like Twitter and Facebook. I've already suspected that Foursquare could equal overshare thanks to the "check-ins" that let everyone know where you are (or where you're not: home), and insurance companies could be bracing for an increase in break-ins because of it.

Aptly-named website PleaseRobMe is trying to make people aware of how easy it is to determine whether your place is empty by locating and compiling tweets and status updates of people who obviously aren't home, using it as a "slap across the face" to make you more aware of what you tweet. I'm pretty darn careful when it comes to broadcasting where I am, but that's not to say I don't like to brag a bit when I'm at a really great restaurant, or seeing a show I'm excited about. At least the knowledge that my renters insurance rates could spike will make me even more cautious about what I'm declaring to the world! Want some tips on how to keep your location private? Then just read more.

Only use location-based services when you need them. Sites like Loopt, Where, and Foursquare may be fun, but letting everyone know your routines could spell bad news for your home security.
Don't post your address anywhere. This should be a given!
Don't tweet about vacations, unless you have a house sitter. Declaring that you'll be in Mexico during Spring Break is only asking for trouble.
Think before you tweet! Something as simple as tweeting about your meal while out to dinner could tip someone off that you're away from home.
Don't friend anyone you don't know on a location-based app or service. Yes, Twitter may be all about the numbers, but do you really want some dude knowing where you are right now cause you friended him on Loopt just to add one to your list? I don't think so.

Are Facebook Photos Fair Game For Insurance Companies?

GeekSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:44:58 -0800

I just came across a story about a woman in Canada who lost insurance benefits because of a photo posted on Facebook. The woman was on medical leave from her job due to severe depression, and was receiving monthly disability payments from an insurance company. After she stopped receiving payments, she called her insurance company, who told her that she should be available to work because of photos she posted on Facebook that showed her looking happy and having a good time - hardly experiencing the crippling depression that kept her from going to work.

After the case started making headlines, the woman's insurance company issued a statement saying they would not terminate a policy based solely on something posted on Facebook; it remains to be seen whether or not the woman in question will be allowed to once again receive benefits.

I've heard countless stories of people being fired or getting into serious trouble for things they posted on Facebook, and even came up with a list of suggestions for how not to get in trouble on the site, but this case seems a bit extreme. What do you think?

Lindsay Lohan Is a Fan of Apple but Not Its Warranty

GeekSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:45:29 -0800

Although Lindsay Lohan has run the gauntlet of cell phones, she's become a BlackBerry convert and sticks with Apple for her computer needs. Lindsay recently lamented on Twitter about how her MacBook took a beating during her recent travels and ended up with a cracked screen. I know how expensive replacing screens can be, and unfortunately the star had to learn the hard way that accidental breakage isn't covered on Apple's warranty or by their protection plans.

Besides Lindsay's cracked screen, what else isn't covered through warranty or an APP? Find out when you read more.

Even if you have paid extra for an AppleCare Protection Plan, these items are excluded from your coverage:

Installation of noncovered equipment or software
Damage caused by accident, abuse, neglect, misuse, unauthorized modification, extreme environment (like temps and humidity), extreme physical or electrical stress, fluctuation or surges, lightning, static electricity, fire, and even . . . acts of God
Problems caused by a third-party or non Apple-branded device
Lost or stolen equipment
Cosmetic damage to your device, including scratches, dents, and broken plastic on ports
Batteries, except in respect to battery coverage under APP for iPod, or unless failure has occurred due to a defect in materials and workmanship
Preventative maintenance
Defects caused by normal wear and tear

5 Things You Should Never Say to Your Insurance Company

SavvySugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:00:26 -0800

So, you think you prepared for the worst - at least you have insurance, right? Well, just when you think it can't get any worse, your insurance company could skimp on your coverage based on how you phrase what's happened. Read on to find out Money magazine's list of the top five things you'll never want your insurance company to hear you say.

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Colbert's Solution For the "Pre-existing Condition" Conundrum

TresSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:30:00 -0700

Forget going to your reps on Capitol Hill to remind them that a woman is not a preexisting condition. So what if a toddler who barely has preexistence is denied health insurance because, at a healthy weight of 22 pounds, she's deemed too skinny? Leave the poor health insurance companies aloooone! They just want a return on their investment, after all. As Stephen Colbert says, you wouldn't buy a banana with spots on it, would you? And anyway, he has a solution. Just breed the insurable with the insurable! That way, ~~everyone~~ healthcare providers win!

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Word - You-Genics
www.colbertnation.com

Avoid These 10 Foods While Driving to Keep Insurance Down

SavvySugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 06:30:50 -0700

Grab 'n' go, quickie stops, and drive-throughs are a given in our fast-paced society, but one auto insurance agency says slowing down can save you money. And they're not talking about lightening your lead foot. In response to a study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Insurance.com prepared a list of the 10 most dangerous foods to eat while driving because they tend to distract drivers.

If you've ever been in an accident, then you're well aware of how much it can impact your insurance. Decrease the likelihood of an accident by enjoying these foods while you're not trying to steer a car.

Coffee. "Even with a travel lid, hot coffee can find its way out of the opening when you hit a bump."
Hot soup. "Many people drink it like coffee and run the same risks."
Tacos. "Any food that can disassemble itself will leave your car looking like a salad bar."
Chili dogs. "Huge potential for drips and slops down the front of clothing."

Learn what else to avoid when you read more.

Hamburgers. "From the grease to the toppings, it could end up on your hands and the steering wheel."
Ribs and wings. "What's more distracting than licking your fingers?"
Fried chicken. "More greasy hands. You've got to wipe them off while you're driving."
Jelly donuts. "It's not possible to eat one without watching the center ooze out."
Soda. "Carbonation. Fizz in the nose. Lids that leak. Disaster."
Chocolate. "Try to clean melted chocolate off the steering wheel without swerving."

I never thought of soda as particularly dangerous, and am in disbelief that people really eat ribs and wings while driving! Do you have a habit of eating at the wheel?

What Travelers Should Know About Layoff Insurance

SavvySugar — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:30:05 -0700

Most of us could use a vacation right about now, but it's tough to feel confident spending money on a trip when the economy continues to shed jobs by the thousands. Travel insurance providers have seen a huge uptick in travelers asking for an extra layoff insurance provision, designed to reimburse vacationers who plan big trips then lose their jobs. Here are a few things you should know before deciding on a travel insurance package and provider.

Read the fine print: Most travel insurance policies include a layoff provision, but they're usually restricted to employees who have been with the same employer for one to three years.
"Cancel for work reasons" may not include a layoff: According to Chris Harvey, CEO of Squaremouth.com, policies including a "cancel for work reasons" add-on cover circumstances like a company move but usually do not cover layoffs.
Shop around for a policy that meets your needs by comparing several policies at once on search sites like Squaremouth.com and InsureMyTrip.com.
Bob Chambers, director of operations for CSA Travel Protection, recommends skipping the expense of cancel for any reason packages and encourages consumers to visit the Better Business Bureau or ustia.org to check the legitimacy of the insurance company they're using.

Source

Healthy and Unwealthy: 20-Somethings DIY Health Care

CitizenSugar — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:01:29 -0800

Trading prescriptions. Self-diagnosing on the Internet (guilty!). Skipping doses to make prescriptions last (I've done that with insurance?). Setting broken bones (ack! not guilty). These are just some of the Band-Aids, the 13.2 million young people, ages 19-29, without insurance have applied.

Maybe we need more doctors like this? Dr. Jay Parkinson (MD!) treats uninsured Internet lovers (but not old ones, he only sees people under 40) via IM, email, and in person through house (or coffee house) calls for a $200 fee per visit. Not exactly cheap, but certainly better than the emergency room.

Most insurance companies cut dependents off at 19 or after college graduation, but more than two dozen states have increased the cutoff age to well into the 20s. Where are these magical lands? Get the list here.

The health care industry calls uninsured 20-somethings the "young invincibles," which makes the industry sound like an old irascible. While some certainly see themselves as young, healthy - invincible? - others live uninsured in fear while focusing on their careers, using the little money they earn interning and working odd jobs for rent and food. Though, in fairness, I've been there and threw a credit card set on automatic payment at the problem.

But I never did use that insurance that I still pay for, so I can't blame those who live without it. Are you sympathetic, or should the young invincibles swallow an adult-sized pill and deal with it?

Source

Which Cars Appeared on the Most Ticketed List?

SavvySugar — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:30:16 -0800

When it comes to car insurance, you bet insurers pay attention to the kind of car you drive. A company that helps insurers identify risks ran a study to determine which cars tend to be ticketed most. Can you guess which cars made the most ticketed list?

Source

Take the quiz

Top 10 Most Insured Dog Breeds

PetSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:30:12 -0800

Even if your pet isn't insured, is your pooch's breed one of the top 10 insured purebreds according to Veterinary Pet Insurance? The company recently released information that there were 38,591 (!) of the most commonly insured breeds last year . . . down to 7,187 of the tenth breed on the list. See all ten dogs in this cute slideshow! Source

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