Senior Driving - Something to Think About

There is no question automobiles give us incredible freedom. Having the ability to go to the store, doctor, or out to eat brings joy to all of us. As we age, it is normal for our driving abilities to change. Few people like the idea of depending on others or relying on public transportation. However, when age diminishes the ability of seniors to drive, endangering themselves and others, it is time to start making hard decisions.

Most experts agree that age alone is not a predictor of poor driving skills. There are a number of factors you may want to consider when dealing with senior drivers:

• General health- Often physical or mental impairment brings compromised decision making ability.
• Medications- Certain medications or combinations of medications can affect senses and reflexes.
• Eyesight- Poor eyesight is a major contributor to decreased driving ability.
• Hearing impairment- Few people age without some deterioration in their hearing. Hearing loss can undermine ability to hear horns, sirens, and other sounds. 
• Increase in accidents in a short period of time
• Decrease in confidence while driving
• Difficulty turning to see when backing up
• Increase in accidents in a short period of time
• Driving angry
• Decrease in confidence while driving
• Difficulty turning to see when backing up

Take time to review your driving with those you love. It may be time, to at least, have a conversation about the future. 

Umbrella Insurance 101

Many people are unsure what an umbrella policy is or what it covers. I will explain the basics of Umbrella Insurance and the benefits to you. When you are outside and there is a light rain or breeze you generally don't need or want an umbrella. However, if it is pouring down rain with high winds, you take your umbrella. An Umbrella Insurance policy works much the same way.

Umbrella Insurance provides extra protection or limits above the liability insurance you currently have. Just as an umbrella protects you from heavy rain, an Umbrella Insurance policy protects you from losing the entirety of your wealth and assets in the event of a large claim. Umbrella Insurance can provide limits above your personal auto and home policies.

Here is an example: John Doe falls asleep while driving and hits a van with a family inside. The accident results in $600,000 of medical bills, but John Doe's auto policy has a $500,000 limit. Fortunately, John Doe also has a $500,000 umbrella policy, and the additional $100,000 would be covered under the Umbrella.

It is true that Umbrella Insurance may not be for everyone, but if you are building financial resources for your future, are a professional, own your home, boat or recreation vehicle, you should consider an Umbrella Insurance policy. Having the added protection of an Umbrella Insurance policy is coverage no one should go without.

Benefits of Life Insurance

Are you one of the people who think you don't need lifer insurance? Please think again. Life insurance provides real security for those you care about. Life benefits can provide financial security and resources for your family or loved ones after you are gone. Let's look at a few of the reasons to consider life insurance:

1.  Payment on Debt- if you have any outstanding debt (mortgage) at the time of your death, it does not go away. Your estate will still be responsible to settle all accounts.

2.  Continuation of Income- Life insurance can provide the funds to replace your income upon your passing. Family income will certainly diminish and there's a very good chance that your family will experience a lower standard of living.

3.  Unpaid Medical Expenses- It is highly likely that you will have medical expenses prior to your death. Some of which may not be covered by health insurance. Adequate life insurance proceeds ensure that these final expenses are well taken care of.

4.  Funeral Expenses- Most people don't plan or fund the funeral expenses, again life insurance is there to help.

The good news is that life insurance rate are low and there are many different kinds of products to select from. One question we often get is; how much life insurance do I need? That really depends on your individual situation, but here our general guideline. We think you need to consider a life insurance limit of at least 10 times your annual gross income. For example if you earn $50,000 per year, your family would need to replace somewhere close to that amount. A $500,000 life policy could return $45,000 to $50,000 depending on interest rates.

Selecting the right insurance company is very important. I can help you with selecting the right plan and insurer.