Whole Life insurance

As the name implies this insurance policy is taken for the life term of an individual. This policy helps the insured to make a substantial investment. However the returns from a whole life insurance policy are not that high. But companies adopt a different strategy for these policies nowadays. The money invested by the insured earns a higher interest than commercial banks. Moreover the insured is eligible too earn tax exemptions. Another advantage of this policy is that the insured continues to be a beneficiary till the end of his life once he successfully completes paying premiums. The insured continues to be a policyholder without paying premiums thereafter.

Universal Life


The insured is required to pay a limited sum of money for a fixed period. The amount of premium you pay is constant, like that of a term life insurance policy. Similarly the benefits reaped resemble a 'whole life insurance' policy. 
Variable Life Insurance
The insurance company invests your premiums in multiple options. These policies are said to be risky as the returns are based on the performance of your stock in the market. These Policies yield great returns when the stock performs exceedingly well.


Variable Universal Life Insurance


Variable Universal Life Insurance is a combination of universal life insurance and variable life insurance. The insurer pays the premiums as in a universal life insurance. Similarly the coverage falls in line with a universal life insurance. The insurance company uses your funds for investing them in the stock market. The terms of investment in a variable universal life insurance policy are the same as variable life insurance.


Premium Life Insurance


This policy enables you to obtain insurance on payment of premium at one stroke. However the amount is quiet expensive and also decided on the basis of your age. This policy is highly recommended for people intending to invest in insurance for the purpose of wealth creation. This policy does not involve any risks because the payments are made at a stretch and the likelihood of not paying the future premiums does not arise.


Survivorship Life Insurance


This policy enables one or more persons to insure their life. The Premiums for this type of policy is less as involves a minimum of two persons. These premiums are not payable if one person dies. On the contrary the policy remains in force even after one insured dies. The second person must continue to pay the premium and it becomes payable only after his death.


Other types of term insurance policy insurance are classified on the basis of time whether short term life or long term life insurance. Group insurance is another scheme offered by employers to employees whereby the premiums are deducted from the monthly salaries of the employees and paid to the insurance company. In group insurance you have the facility of converting your policy to another which is not available with other insurance policies. So as an insurer you are given the freedom to choose the policy as per your choice. 

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Student contents insurance guide

Starting university is exciting but it can be a daunting experience, too. With so much of your focus on meeting new friends, surviving Freshers' Week, starting your studies or simply finding your way around a new city, protecting your belongings might not be top of your list of priorities.

However, if you take just a minute or two to think about the things you own, and in many cases rely upon, such as your laptop, mobile phone, TV, clothes, iPod or camera, the value is probably greater than you think. So while buying insurance may seem dull, it's one of the most sensible investments you can make as a student, particularly since young people in the 16-24 age group are three times more likely to be victims of burglary and one in every three students becomes a victim of crime (source: Home Office Report ‘Crime in England and Wales 2007/2008’).
So what is student insurance and why do I need it?

Some students are under the impression that their belongings are covered under their parents' home insurance, but this is often not the case and even where cover is available it will usually be restricted. As a result, standalone student contents insurance policies are available to protect against loss or damage caused by risks such as theft, fire, vandalism, storm, flood and burst pipes.
With the average student now owning over £4,000 worth of belongings (Source: Endsleigh Student Possession Research 2008) student contents insurance can provide you with valuable peace of mind, regardless of whether you are in your first or final year of studies. Although insurance won’t make the loss, theft or damage of your belongings any less upsetting, it will ease the financial strain of replacing them.
Getting the right student contents insurance
The most important aspect of finding the right student insurance policy is ensuring that it provides suitable cover for your lifestyle. Always check the small print of the policies you're interested in to ensure they provide suitable cover for your needs. You may be living in shared accommodation or halls of residence but some student insurance policies will not cover ‘walk in theft’ (burglary without forced entry), and other policies may not cover pedal cycles or musical instruments as standard, for example.

Some insurance companies will offer flexible cover options so that you can pick and mix your cover depending on what you need - meaning you often have the option to insure one item, a selection of items or the contents of your whole room. To ensure you have an adequate amount of cover check the policy terms for item cover limits, any ‘total valuables’ limits (the maximum you can claim for multiple items), the excess (the amount you have to contribute in the event of a claim) and any exclusions (items or risks that are not covered).

Remember to check the period of insurance too, as your policy may cover your possessions during term time only and should you need cover to continue during holiday periods then you will need to speak to your insurer to arrange this.

Depending on the insurance company, other policy benefits may include a 24 hour student helpline, legal expenses cover, cover for course fees should you be deregistered due to death, illness or accident and accidental damage cover.

Van insurance guide and help

What is van insurance and why do I need it?

Since the Government brought in the Road Traffic Act (1930), van insurance has become a legal requirement for all drivers on the road. Therefore you are legally obliged as a driver to be insured against the possibility that you may injure another person or cause damage to another person's property. For example if you reverse your van into someone else's vehicle, your van insurance will pay for the repairs to the vehicle. Anyone who does not have van insurance could receive a fine or driving ban if they are caught.
How do insurers protect the victims of uninsured drivers?

In 1946 the Motor Insurers' Bureau was set up to provide a way of compensating the victims of uninsured or untraced motorists. All motor insurance companies must be members of the Motor Insurers' Bureau and contribute to its funding.
So if an uninsured or untraced driver injures you or damages your van, you should receive compensation from the Motor Insurers' Bureau.

Van insurance - the basics
What documentation or paper work will I get?
Once you have taken out your van insurance policy, your insurance provider will send you:
A certificate of insurance (or a cover note which is a temporary certificate)
A schedule and/or policy document
A policy booklet (or they will tell you where you can access one)
Your certificate is a very important document as it is evidence that you are legally insured and is one of the documents that police will ask to look at if you are stopped while driving.
A cover note may be supplied if the insurance company or broker needs time to complete the paperwork. This will give you the same protection as a insurance certificate but is only usually valid for 30 days.
Key things to remember!

Always read all the documents sent to you to make sure all the details are correct and that you have the level of cover you need. If you have any concerns or queries contact your broker or insurance company.
Ensure that you give the correct information to the insurance company or broker; otherwise your insurance may not be valid. If you do not, it could result in the insurance company not paying out if you were to make a claim.
Tell your insurer or broker everything that relates to you as a driver or road user, such as driving history, claims and convictions.
Keep all your policy documents in a safe place; you never know when you may need them!
What's included in my policy?
What your policy covers depends on what type of cover you have chosen and any additional cover you may have bought. The documentation you receive with you insurance policy should outline exactly what is covered.
What types of policy are there?
There are three main types of policy which each offer different levels of cover.
Third Party Only (TPO)

This van insurance is the minimum level of cover required by law in the UK. It covers:
Liability for injury to others (including passengers)
Damage to property
Liability whilst towing a caravan or trailer
Remember! This does not cover you for accidental damage to your own vehicle; you will have to pay for that yourself.
Third Party Fire and Theft (TPFT)
This covers everything that third party covers, plus:

Fire damage

The theft of your own vehicle
Damage to your van caused during the theft
Comprehensive
Comprehensive is the most extensive van insurance cover and includes everything third party fire and theft does and usually the following:
Loss or damage to your vehicle
Windscreen cover
Personal effects
Accidental damage
Medical expenses

Remember!
 Some van insurance companies are now offering cheaper policies that offer less protection. These may be known as 'stripped down' policies, for example the insurance company may have removed windscreen cover. Always check your policy documents to make sure you get the right level of cover for your needs.
How do I make a claim on my policy?

You need to tell your van insurance company as soon as you can when you have had an accident or if your van has been stolen, even if you are not going to claim.

If your van needs repairing once the insurance company has all the details of your claim they will inform you of the nearest approved repairers and arrange for your van to be repaired. An approved repairer is a garage that your van insurance company has a relationship with to do repair work on their behalf. If you do not go to an approved repairer then your insurance company may not pay for the repairs.

Dental Insurance guide

Are you the one who grinds teeth while sleeping? Is the surface of your teeth facing some problem? If yes, you might be at risk of a serious dental problem. Thus, dental insurance is a total must that can keep your dental health in a good condition. You might be well aware of the fact that paying some visits to the dentist can cost you huge amounts. So it is imperative to find an affordable dental insurance plan that not just suits your requirements, but is affordable as well.

You can have a word with your current dentist in order to see if the professional provides some kind of insurance policy. In various cases, the dentist’s clinic is linked with an insurance firm that can save you great amounts. Being a part of some group dental scheme is a great option as you can get various treatments covered at reasonable rate. If you are not so sure about the best dental insurance plan for your needs, you can refer to your dental care professional to seek advice. In all, various dental clinics recommend affordable and cheap dental plans for the patients. In circumstances where a person does not have enough funds to buy a dental insurance policy, dentists will suggest them to use the discounted dental offers. These plans are in fact identical to the PPO or Preferred Provider Organization.
Moreover, before you search for the best dental insurance plans available, you need to evaluate your dental requirements first. Ask yourself whether you require the maintenance plan or the comprehensive one. In case you have a tendency to face big dental problems, it might be nice for you to opt for the comprehensive plan as such a kind of scheme covers all the expenses of major dental treatments. But you have to consider that the premium for such a comprehensive policy is a bit higher than you generally pay for the maintenance program. In case you are featured with a limited budget and don’t even require much repair, it is recommended that you choose the maintenance plan as this can offer you the regular checkups and annual cleanings for free of cost.

You can even enjoy a discount on your dental plan. Check with your dentist and see if he or she offers any discounted schemes. Basically what actually happens is that the dentists offer you a discount when you get the work done. The benefit attached is that you save some amount and the dental professional gets his or her money the same day without waiting for an insurance company to pay for their work. In short, using a good dental insurance can save you huge amounts that you might spend on regular visits and treatments.

Bike insurance guide

Go for recognised security features

Motorbikes can be a real target for thieves but if you go for industry-approved security measures, many insurers will chop a further 10% off your premiums.

But what are these approved steps? Most insurers want to see that your security devices, such as immobilisers, heavy duty locks and ground anchors, are Thatcham approved.


Motorcycle insurance is required by law. It is to make sure people can cover the costs of any riding related damage or injury. For example if you crash your bike into someone else, motorcycle insurance will pay for the repairs to the other vehicle.
The most important part of looking for a suitable insurance policy is understanding what cover you need and what type of risk you are to an insurance company.
An insurance company will look at a number of factors to determine what type of risk you are i.e. how likely you are to make a claim on a policy, such as:
your riding history (have you a number of prior claims or convictions which may make you a greater risk?)
the area in which you live (is there a lot of vehicle crime in your area?)
the type of bike you ride (is it a high-performance bike?)
Almost every piece of information you are asked when you get a quote will have some influence on the cost of your bike insurance.
Motorbike insurance is there to offer both financial cover and peace of mind for you and everyone else on or about the road.
How do insurance companies protect the victims of uninsured riders?
Even though by law you have to have motor insurance, you can guarantee that somewhere there is someone on the road without insurance cover.
In 1946 the Motor Insurers' Bureau was created. It ensures victims of untraced or uninsured motorists are compensated for their losses. All motor insurers must be members of the bureau and contribute to its funding.
The Bureau has a database with details of private and fleet motor insurance policyholders. The police can access the database and see whether or not motorists have current insurance during spot checks, or at the scene of an accident. The Motor Insurance Database is currently run by the Motor Insurers' Information Centre.
When an uninsured or untraced rider injures a third party or damages their property, the third party should receive compensation from the Motor Insurers' Bureau.
If a motorbike is stolen and the thief damages property or injures someone, the insurance company for the bike will be liable to pay the costs involved.

Documentation or paperwork

When you purchase your motorbike insurance, your insurance company will send you documentation to prove you are legally insured to ride on the road. You'll have to show proof of insurance for example if you get stopped by the police for any reason. The law currently gives you seven days to prove your valid insurance cover to the police.
You should receive the following documents from your insurance company:
Cover note
A cover note is a temporary certificate of insurance which is usually issued to allow either a broker or insurer time to complete their paperwork before they issue the full certificate. It usually lasts for 30 days.
Certificate of insurance
This is the document that proves your legal motor insurance cover as required by the Road Traffic Act.
Schedule and/or policy document
The schedule and/or policy document sets out the full the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.
Remember! You should always read all the documents sent to you, firstly to check that the level of cover you agreed with the insurance company is correct and to also make you aware of any policy exclusions. It is your responsibility to be aware of the exact cover you have agreed. If you have any concerns or queries, contact your broker or insurance company.

No claims discount

For every year you're insured and don't make an insurance claim you will build up a no claims discount. The amount of discount you receive can vary but could be from around 30% discount the first year, increasing to around 60% for your fourth year.
If you make a claim on your policy and your insurance company can't recover their costs, it will affect your no claims discount even if the accident was not your fault. It is a 'no claim' not a 'no blame' discount.
Should you have a claim which is considered to be your fault then you will lose some of your no claims discount. The amount of discount you lose will vary from one insurance company to the next.
Bike insurance and optional extras
Sometimes you want some extra cover on your insurance, which isn't included in the policy itself, for example you may want breakdown cover. This extra cover is known as an optional extra or ancillary product and can be bought with your insurance policy.
Legal assistance or protection
Also known as legal cover or Uninsured Loss Recovery, legal assistance helps cover legal costs following an accident where a third party was at fault.
Legal professionals will deal with your case for you and try to recover any losses on your behalf, for example medical losses, loss of earnings or recovering your policy excess. They will also make a claim for compensation for you if you are injured.
How bike insurance quotes are calculated?

Insurance companies take lots of factors into account when working out what to charge you for your motorbike insurance, which is why they ask so many questions. They work out what type of risk you are to them (how likely it is that you will make a claim on your policy) and charge you accordingly.
They will look at:
Claims history

If you've made a claim on your motorbike insurance in the last 5 years, you must tell your insurance company about it. If an insurance company has had to pay out for a claim, they will see you as a greater risk to them and charge you more for your policy.

Having made a claim doesn't necessarily condemn you to paying huge sums for your motorbike insurance though. Just run a quote through Gocompare.com and we'll bring you prices from the most competitive motorbike insurance companies in the market.

Riders

An insurance company will ask for information about who will be riding your bike, including their riding history, age, claims and convictions history etc. Adding a rider under 25 who has a speeding conviction and has previously crashed their bike will certainly increase your insurance costs compared to letting a 40 year old with a no claims or convictions ride your motorbike.

Riding convictions

It stands to reason, the more riding convictions you have, the more you will be charged for your insurance – someone who speeds habitually may be seen as having more chance of being involved in an accident and so will cost their insurance company money.

insurance ordinance 2000 pakistan

The President of Pakistan had promulgated the Insurance Ordinance, 2000 on 19th August 2000 repealing the Insurance Act 1938. The objectives of this ordinance are said to be:
* To regulate the business of the Insurance industry.
* To ensure the protection of the interest of insurance policyholders.
* To promote sound development of the insurance industry.
The new ordinance has divided life insurance business and non life insurance business into following classes:
LIFE INSURANCE BUSINESS:
1. Ordinary Life Business.
2. Capital Redemption Business.
3. Pension Fund Business.
4. Accident and Health Business.
NON-LIFE INSURANCE BUSINESS:
1. Fire and Property Damage Business.
2. Marine, Aviation and Transport Business.
3. Motor Third Party Compulsory Business.
4. Liability Business.
5. Worker’s Compensation Business.
6. Credit and Surety-ship Business.
7. Accident and Health Business.
8. Agriculture Insurance including Corp, Insurance.
9. Miscellaneous Business.
A public company or a body corporate can start insurance business in Pakistan. A certificate of registration as insurer will be obtained within six months for life business and non-life business separately. The registered insurer will meet the requirements of minimum paid up capital, statutory deposits, solvency, requirements, and reinsurance: arrangement appointment of auditors and to comply with Provisions of this Ordinance.
A registered insurer shall have to pay an annual supervision fee to SECP at the rate of Rs. 1 per thousand of gross premium written in Pakistan during the calendar year with a minimum of Rs. 100,000.
For sound and prudent management fit and proper persons with appropriate experience and qualification will be employed to conduct their duties with due diligence and skill. The minimum paid- up-capital required for registered insurer is as under:
LIFE INSURANCE BUSINESS: 150 MILLION RUPEES.
1. 100 Million Rupees will be attained up to 31st December 2002.
2. 150 Million Rupees will be attained up to 31st December 2004.
NON-LIFE INSURANCE BUSINESS:. 80 MILLION RUPEES.
1. 50 Million Rupees will be attained up to 31st December 2002.
2. 80 Million Rupees will be attained up to 31st December 2004.
Every insurer will maintain a minimum deposit equal to 10% of its Paid-Up-Capital with State Bank of Pakistan. The deposit in excess of amount required can be asked for with permission from SECP for refund.
REINSURANCE ARRANGEMENTS
The insurers will maintain assets in excess of liabilities to meet solvency requirement as per this Ordinance. Insurance companies will maintain adequate reinsurance arrangements.
The insurers will submit the quarterly returns on the prescribed form to SECP. The auditors shall be appointed by the commission to audit the accounts of insurer’s. Actuary report for life insurance business shall be necessary. If any return is considered inaccurate or defective the Commission can call for further information, call upon insurer; examine any officer of insurer (or decline to accept the return).
If an insurer is likely to become unable to meet liabilities the commission can investigate the affairs of an insurer. If necessary the services of an auditor or actuary can be hired for investigation by the commission. The Commission has the power to prescribe maximum level of acquisition costs and management expenses.
For corporatization of public sector insurance corporation the National Insurance Corporation, has been converted and registered as National Insurance Company Limited. The Pakistan Insurance Corporation will be converted and registered as Pakistan Reinsurance Company Limited. These Corporations will be converted into public limited companies within a period of one year from the issuance of this Ordinance. These will continue to conduct their present business until the Federal Government ceases to hold a controlling ownership interest in them.
There are provisions for appointment of agents and brokers. The brokers should have obtained license from the commission. The requirements of Paid-Up-Capital, statutory deposit professional indemnity insurance and other matters are to be prescribed by the Government for registration of brokers.
The Commission should license the persons acting as insurance surveyors. A person can apply for a license after fulfilling the following conditions:
* The person is a company with a prescribed minimum share capital.
* The person carries professional indemnity liabilities.
* The person should be a member of the approved professional Association.
* The Person complies with the conditions to be prescribed.
In addition to Authorized the Commission will register surveying Officers according to the prescribed procedure.
Special provisions have been laid down for protection of policyholder’s interest. The Government of Pakistan will appoint the insurance Tribunal and the Insurance Ombudsman. This Ordinance also provides for appointment of administrator and winding-up of an insurer. The penalties for offence against the Ordinance are also prescribed.
This ordinance has almost changed the insurance structure of Pakistan. Wide-ranging powers have been granted to the Federal Government and SECP. This will promote sound development of insurance industry. New types of insurance will be introduced in the country like credit Insurance and Crop Insurance etc. The culture of Insurance Broker will be introduced in the market. The small insurance companies may amalgamate with large companies or those may be converted into broker houses.
The process of implementation of new insurance law is very slow. In fact the new law is the outcome of the findings and recommendations of the National Insurance Reforms Commission which worked in 1988-89 and presented its reports in 1990. Under the Capital Market Development Programme the ADB supported Pakistan and consultants were engaged in 1997. The consultants presented the draft bill of Insurance Act, 1999 in July 1999. At lasts on 19th August 2000 the President of Pakistan Promulgated the Insurance Ordinance, 2000 repealing the Insurance Act, 1938.
Almost all the sections of this ordinance are to be implemented by forming insurance Rules and Regulations. For this purpose the Federal Government and SECP have been given wide-ranging powers. The Federal Government through notification published in the official gazette, can make rules to carry out the purpose of this ordinance. The powers of the Federal Government have been delegated to SECP who can make rules required to be made under the ordinance. The SECP has also been authorized to make Insurance Regulations required for implementation of this Ordinance.
The formation of Insurance Rules and Regulations are necessary to implement the Insurance ordinance 2000 in letter and spirit. The SECP has published in Gazette of Pakistan a Draft Notification in February 2002 with the title of "Draft Insurance Rules, 2002" for information of all persons likely to be affected and notice has been given that these draft Rules shall be taken into consideration after 30 days of its publication in the official Gazette. The SECP will consider any objection or suggestion received from any person in respect of this draft before expiry of the said period.
Draft Insurance Rules although have been prepared and hoped to be finalized and implemented within a period of one month. However still the Insurance Regulations are required to be made.
In the recent past the economic environment for trade and industry was sluggish, unemployment was on rise, inflation and price spiral was soaring, exports were stagnant, imports were rising and number of sick industries was shooting up. In such conditions the stock markets of the country were not attracting investments both foreign and local. So, it was difficult for insurance companies to generate further capital.
On analysis of 39 insurance companies registered at Karachi Stock Exchange, only 9 companies have the capital more than the amount required as per Insurance Ordinance, 2000. There are other 22 companies, which have Paid-up Capital as required for brokers. Ihese companies can easily convert themselves into brokerage houses or they can also make mergers.
However, now the economic environment of the country is changing. The foreign exchange remittances have been increased and the exchange rates have been stabilized. The sick industries are being revived through CIRC (corporate and Industrial Restructuring Corporation). The public and private sectors are expected to be involved in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. The Motorway and other highway projects are being completed. The construction of the third seaport at Gwadar has also been started. Foreign investments are also anticipated.
SUGGESTIONS;
These economic activities will obviously generate business for insurance companies. To meet the future requirements of the country the following suggestions are made:
* The Insurance Ordinance 2000 should be implemented completely. For this purpose the new Insurance Rules and Regulations should be finalized and enforced in the country without further delay.
* New reinsurance companies should be established in the private sector to increase the capacity for retention of more and more business within the country.
* Establishing R&D division under the IAP should carry out the Research and Development work.
* To provide sound and prudent management for insurance companies technically qualified and professional people should be employed. The Insurance Institutes should be reactivated. The Associationship and Fellowship of Chartered Insurance Institute, London and Chartered Property and Causality Underwriters, USA must be recognized as the basic qualification for sound and prudent management of insurance companies.
* As per WTO requirement there should be no restrictions to market access. For this purpose the foreign insurers and reinsurers should be encouraged to come and invest in Pakistan. With broad equity basis our insurance Companies will be fully competent to compete with them.
* The surveyors having technical qualification should only be allowed to join this profession so that quality work could be provided the limit for settlement of claims on self-assess-ment basis should not be more than Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000.
* All the hisurance companies should jointly create awareness among general public about the essential requirement of insurance in the day-to-day life of each individual and business houses.

* As it is very expensive for Pakistani people to get training and higher education from U.K. and U.S.A., our own public and private educational institutions should take initiative to provide higher education in insurance. However much of the burden lies on the shoulders of Pakistan Insurance Institute to start its own recognized professional insurance degree.

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