A friend of mine recently discovered that his life insurance policy, which actually turned out to be a mortgage endowment, was almost worthless. He has a wife and child and he was worried what would happen to them if he died. All he wants is simple life insurance to cover him and his wife until he retires at age 65, or until his daughter is old enough to fend for herself financially. Here are the three pieces of advice that I gave him:

1. Shop around for lower premiums

The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) in the UK has a neat little rebuild cost calculator. This can be used by anyone with a 'normal' house, which means that it's a house and not an apartment; built from brick; not more than two-storeys high and without a basement or cellar; of average quality and design; got no hazardous materials like asbestos; and not listed or considered to be historic.

There are many things for students today to consider. Passing next week's exam, the big football game, and going to parties are just a few of the distractions facing our youth. Most students don't think about getting auto insurance. There are many reasons for this. Many are covered by their parents' policy, since they can continue on with that coverage as long as the parents agree to it. But for those students who need to pay for their own coverage, there are several things you need to know.

Collision and Comprehensive Insurance Coverage for Students

This ‘special’ insurance pays out a lump sum if you suffer from one of a range of specified health problems. Although it is sold by life assurers, it actually has nothing in common with life insurance.

For a start, you don't have to die to benefit from the critical illness insurance policy. This insurance is designed to pay out a lump sum - which is tax-free - in the event of you suffering from a serious illness or if you have to undergo certain types of surgery.

Rule No. 1 with life insurance is to shop around. Another smart move is to buy separate 'his' and 'hers' policies, instead of a 'joint life, first death policy', which pays out once and ceases after the first death, leaving the survivor uninsured. By buying two individual policies, you can get two payouts - potentially twice as much cover - for just a few pounds a month more. Also, individual policies make life easier when it comes to inheritance tax, and if you separate or divorce.

Driving in and of itself has always been a risky situation, but that truth is even more true today with the additional road congestion, something we call road rage, and the use of mind-altering substances, distractions that were hardly an issue in the past. When in addition to all this, you have to deal with the challenges of driving in the winter, you have a real recipe for disaster.

In the same way that you will find that the required coverage on automobiles is different from one state to another, and even between various agencies, the affect that life changes has on rates and insurance options may also vary. There are several major events that can affect the cost of your auto insurance. The major events that can impact auto insurance coverage management include your getting married, divorced, or losing a spouse. Reaching the age of fifty can also be a factor.

The offer doesn’t usually happen on a dingy street corner, it’s more likely to be a phone call with a phony introduction speech. “Remember when you took that cruise a few years ago? You filled out this form and it went into a draw? Well, you won a prize and we’re calling to invite you to visit our offices and collect it.” Of course you fall for this hook, line and sinker. You rush to tell your wife. You, Jimmy are 78 and she, Annie, is 75. You are both bored and a prize out of the blue is just what you need. Perhaps you have won another cruise…

The life settlement industry is a relatively new one and there are many people out there eyeing the market and looking to see how they can profit from it while it is still untested. The potential buyers target seniors who may be in financial straits or in poor health and prone to aggressive sales tactics and abuse.

Since the cost of insurance can vary from one company to another, it is important to get competitive quotes. You should get as a minimum, three price quotes. This information is often available over the Internet or you can call the company directly. Sometimes the state department of insurance can provide comparison quotes from major insurers