When you start a small business you will need to have insurance. You would be wise to shop around. Triple A rated carriers like Farmers Insurance, State Farm and All State are definitely places to get quotes from, but also be sure to check out your local independent insurance agents as well. When shopping for a quote there is some things you will need to know. For instance you SIC code and business category. If you are involved in more than one, it pays to look at both SIC codes to see which category is preferred by the agents underwriters. Some SIC codes many insurance companies will not even touch. For instance Car Washes, Amusement Parks, Aviation Businesses and security companies. But there are insurance companies who specialize in these areas. Perhaps you might wish to thumb through a recent trade journal to see which insurance companies are actively seeking clients in those categories. You will be glad you did; also do not forget to check online as well.

You will also need other data when shopping for quotes; you will be asked such things as: Address of Business Office; are you running your business out of a home or commercial location. If it is a commercial office; what is the square feet of business location, customer area. What is the age of the building; is it made of masonry or frame construction? How many floors? What types of business tenants occupy or share the building? The main concern of the underwriter's in some businesses is; where the supplies are stored? Especially if chemicals are used in your business. If you are a mobile service; are the chemicals stored on a vehicle? Where is the vehicle parked.

Insurance agents will also ask you how many years have you been in business? How much experience do you have; what are your projected and current gross annual receipts? How many full time and part time employees do you have? If you have mobile service vehicles you will need the full name, social security number and drivers license number for all employees who will be driving the vehicles. The more current our files, the happier the underwriters and the more information you bring with you when shopping for quotes the happier the agent. Happiness equates to a better deal, more shopping on the agents part and better relationships will all the parties concerned. Think on this when shopping for Business Insurance.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

• Spending Rise for Health Care and Prescription Drugs Slows
National health spending grew in 2007 at the lowest rate in nine years, mainly because prescription drug spending increased at the slowest pace since 1963.

• Stuck in Paradise, Needing Medical Help
Before embarking on an overseas vacation, travelers should check their medical policy to see what is covered or get special travel insurance.

• Obama Considers Major Expansion in Aid to Jobless
The Democratic economic package may include much more government-assisted health insurance and unemployment help.

• Mr. Bush’s Health Care Legacy
President Bush can lay claim to some signal achievements in health care ones that we urge Barack Obama to continue and develop further.

• Jobless Claims Fall; Holiday Cited
The number of newly laid off workers signing up for unemployment benefits fell sharply, the government said, but those continuing to draw aid climbed.


Life Insurance News



• Bill Swartz Named National Sales Manager for John Hancock Fixed Annuities (PR Newswire)
Experienced Hancock Veteran To Lead Team of 10 Wholesalers

• Prudential PLC - Corporate Reporting Calendar 2009 (Marketwire)


• Debt trouble at Lee triggers auditor's warning (AP)
Lee Enterprises Inc., publisher of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and other newspapers, said in a regulatory filing that it will have trouble paying its debt over the next two years because of severe reductions in revenue.

• Dividend Declaration: Delaware Investments(R) Dividend and Income Fund, Inc. Announces Dividends (PR Newswire)
Today, Delaware Investments Dividend and Income Fund, Inc. , a New York Stock Exchange-listed closed-end fund trading under the symbol "DDF," declares a monthly dividend of $0.0575 per share.

• Dividend Declaration: Delaware Investments(R) Global Dividend and Income Fund, Inc. Announces Dividends (PR Newswire)
Today, Delaware Investments Global Dividend and Income Fund, Inc. , a New York Stock Exchange-listed closed-end fund trading under the symbol "DGF," declares a monthly dividend of $0.0575 per share.


Property & Casualty Insurance News



• Why Dilbert's Creator Doesn't Trust Warren Buffett (at CNBC)


• Final Glance: Insurers companies (AP)


• OneBeacon Schedules Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2008 Earnings Release and Webcast (PR Newswire)
OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. will review its fourth quarter and full-year 2008 results via live Webcast at 10:00 a.m. ET on Friday February 6, 2009, following its earnings release earlier that morning.

• RLI 4th Quarter Earnings Release Teleconference (Business Wire)
PEORIA, Ill.----RLI Corp. , a specialty property & casualty company, will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss fourth quarter results on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at 11:00 am Eastern Time.

• PartnerRe Announces Executive Management Changes in its U.S. Operations (Business Wire)
PEMBROKE, Bermuda----PartnerRe Ltd. today announced executive changes in its U.S. operations.

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